10 Tips for Dealing with Sensitivity after Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments available today. When carried out properly, it is safe and effective. However, it is common to experience some tooth sensitivity after a teeth whitening treatment.

In this article, we explain what teeth whitening is, and you will learn why some teeth feel sensitive after teeth whitening and how to manage this discomfort.

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What is Teeth Whitening?

Very few people have naturally white teeth. Due to lifestyle choices, your teeth can also darken over time or become stained. Teeth whitening is a treatment that helps remove stains from tooth enamel, quickly brightening them.

The treatment uses hydrogen peroxide, and often, it’s light-activated, helping to release the oxygen in the bleach so it can penetrate tooth enamel more easily and deeply.

You can whiten your teeth in various ways, including professional whitening treatments at your dental office or using home whitening kits with custom-made trays and whitening gel supplied by your dentist.

Alternatively, there are numerous teeth whitening kits available online or over-the-counter. However, these should be used with caution. Some may contain bleach that is too strong, while others contain ineffective ingredients.

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How Long Will Tooth Sensitivity Last After Whitening?

Tooth sensitivity can continue for several days after you finish a teeth whitening treatment. It takes time for your tooth enamel to settle down once it has been whitened.

Possible causes of tooth sensitivity can include:

• Immediately after whitening, your tooth enamel becomes more permeable, meaning it is more easily penetrated whenever you eat or drink anything hot, cold, sweet, or sour. This is because the protective pellicle covering it has been removed. It will take a few days for this pellicle to re-form.
• Over-the-counter kits such as premade teeth whitening trays may place your teeth under excess force, especially if the whitening trays fit poorly. Using an ill-fitting whitening tray can temporarily cause tooth sensitivity.
• If bleaching gel leaks onto your gums, it can irritate them and cause sensitivity. The sensitivity may worsen if you have problems like tooth decay or gum disease.

Whichever way you choose to whiten, you can take steps to minimize discomfort afterward.

1. Use Desensitizing Toothpaste

Before whitening, use a desensitizing toothpaste for at least a few weeks beforehand. These toothpastes work by treating any areas where dentin is exposed. Dentin is the softer layer underneath your tooth enamel, consisting of many tiny tubules that lead directly to the tooth nerve. The toothpaste blocks these tubules, preventing the whitening gel from aggravating your tooth nerve. The effect is cumulative, so you must use desensitizing toothpaste at least two weeks before whitening.

2. Use a Desensitizing Gel

Before your whitening treatment, use a desensitizing gel that can be applied to your tooth surfaces before it is rinsed off. Your dentist can advise you on using desensitizing gel correctly and will tell you how long it needs to remain on your teeth to provide maximum effect.

3. Use Over-The-Counter Pain Medication

An over-the-counter medication like Tylenol before your whitening treatment can help reduce discomfort and sensitivity. You can continue using Tylenol afterward, ensuring you closely follow the instructions on the packaging. However, don’t be tempted to place any form of pain medication on your gums, even if they feel sensitive and tender. Putting medication directly on them can burn your gum tissue.

4. Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Beverages After Whitening

The first few days after teeth whitening, avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages that could make your teeth feel more sensitive. Instead, aim to consume foods and drinks that are room temperature.

5. Avoid Very Acidic Foods and Beverages

It is the same problem with very acidic foods and drinks, as these can also increase sensitivity after tooth whitening. Don’t drink any fruit juices or acidic drinks like soda. It is better to stick to plain water to rehydrate.

6. Avoid Highly Colored Foods

Although these foods won’t necessarily cause tooth sensitivity, they can stain your teeth more easily after a whitening treatment. This is because your tooth enamel needs time to settle down and reform the pellicle, which helps protect it. If you have anything highly colored, rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to help minimize its impact.

7. Brush Your Teeth Gently

You should be brushing your teeth gently at all times, but especially after teeth whitening. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and small circular motions to clean your teeth thoroughly.

Wait at least half an hour after eating or drinking anything before brushing. Your mouth is more acidic immediately after eating anything, which softens and weakens your tooth enamel. Waiting allows it to re-harden, reducing any damage and sensitivity.

8. Use Fluoridated Toothpaste

Ideally, you should always use fluoridated toothpaste, and especially before and after teeth whitening. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, so there is less risk of tooth sensitivity.

When choosing toothpaste, look for a brand with the ADA symbol. Toothpaste that the American Dental Association has evaluated is safe for use and will provide the benefits it describes.

9. Drink Beverages through a Straw

Immediately after teeth whitening, your teeth may feel more sensitive, so try drinking through a straw instead. This minimizes the liquid’s contact with your teeth, which can help reduce discomfort.

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10. Get a Dental Checkup First

Seeing a dentist for a checkup is vital before you use any whitening products, even if you intend to use over-the-counter kits.

When you see your dentist, they can check that your teeth are healthy enough for whitening and that you don’t have any problems like cavities or gum disease. These issues can increase the risk of sensitivity or pain after whitening. Using a whitening treatment on an unhealthy mouth can worsen these problems.

Your dentist can assess why your teeth are stained, as sometimes the staining can be inside or intrinsic to the tooth. In this case, the tooth would not respond to an ordinary whitening treatment and would need to be bleached internally or covered up with dental bonding or a porcelain veneer afterward.

Another potential issue is if you already have dental restorations like veneers, crowns, or bridges. These will not change color during your whitening treatment. You must replace them afterward, or you could be left with an unevenly colored smile.

Why Consider a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

It is better to consider having your teeth whitened professionally, as treatment may be far more affordable than you think. Dentists can whiten your teeth in the office in as little as an hour. Alternatively, they may suggest using a custom whitening kit.

With a custom home whitening kit, you would get professional-grade, custom-fitted whitening trays with the appropriate strength of whitening gel. You just need to fill and wear the trays as your dentist directs. It usually takes a couple of weeks to achieve full results, but it will give you more control over treatment. It can be an excellent option if you have particularly sensitive teeth, as you can whiten more slowly and comfortably.

Only a Professional Treatment Ensures Your Teeth Whitening Is Safe and Effective

Your dentist can ensure you receive excellent teeth whitening results and can use high-strength professional-grade whitening products not available to the general public. Most importantly, they will ensure your teeth whitening is safe and will not harm your teeth. It is also less likely to cause any problems like tooth sensitivity. If you are considering whitening your teeth, talk to your dentist first.