How Safe is Teeth Whitening Gel? Tips to Avoid Sensitivity

Everyone wants a shiny, bright smile, so it’s no surprise that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. But is teeth whitening gel safe to use regularly? Keep reading for the skinny on teeth whitening gel and whether it’s safe.

The Basics of Teeth Whitening Gel

Most at-home teeth whitening gels contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient formulated to seep through the enamel to break up the stains responsible for creating the final shade of a whiter smile. The concept is consistently foolproof. The only downside is that misuse and sensitive teeth can make them problematic.

Spotlight Oral Care is a brand with products worth considering and reviewing. They offer several options for many customers designed to gently deliver a balanced teeth-whitening outcome with care to help overcome issues like teeth sensitivity.

Is Teeth Whitening Gel Safe?

The short answer? It’s safe to use gels within reason and according to instructions. Most products sold on the market have gone through testing to ensure they’re safe for at-home use. No matter how tested they are, all cosmetics may have some side effects.

The most common side effect of teeth whitening gel is sensitivity. The ingredients are formulated to penetrate the enamel and get to the stain, but they can also reach those nerves, causing fleeting pain. Sensitivity doesn’t usually last longer than a day or two and will only be an issue during the whitening session, but it’s always best to use the best gel and use it correctly and cautiously.

Tips to Avoid Sensitivity When Using Teeth Whitening Gel

If you’re feeling the urge to whiten your smile but don’t want to feel that uncomfortable sensitivity, consider the following suggestions:

Choose a Low-Peroxide Formula

Some gels have higher levels of peroxide, so they’re more powerful but more likely to cause sensitivities in higher-risk individuals. If you know, you’re more likely to experience sensitivity (or have more sensitive teeth in general), it’s smart to start with a lower-percentage product.

Limit Application Time

Using the product for longer than recommended won’t give you better results but will likely rack up that sensitivity. Consult the instructions and time yourself. The average product doesn’t even require more than 15 or 30 minutes a day. Putting it on longer places you at a higher risk of sensitivity.

Use Desensitising Toothpaste

If you are someone who typically suffers from sensitive teeth, consider using a desensitising toothpaste one week before starting your whitening sessions. Toothpaste is designed to block pain signals to the tooth’s nerves and may be able to provide some relief from that sharp feeling.

Use a Gel Designed for Sensitive Teeth

One perk of having sensitive teeth is that there are some gels on the market formulated exactly for this. The gentle ingredients and lower peroxide contents make it perfect for those with a low pain tolerance.

When to Consult a Dentist

If the sensitivity is long-lasting or continues after applications, it might be time to visit a dentist. Something like tooth decay, a cracked tooth, receding gums, or a breakdown of tooth enamel can cause those reactions after using a whitening gel. A dental professional can determine if there are real concerns and let you know if you should continue and options if so.

Having a whiter smile doesn’t need to make you wince. By using a mild teeth whitening gel, sticking to the treatment times, and using precautions to fend off sensitivity, it’s possible to gently and safely whiten teeth.