How to calm teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening? - Preserve Your Teeth (2024)

HOW TO RELIEVE SENSITIVE TEETH AFTER WHITENING

  1. Brush your teeth before whitening not after whitening. Brushing right after whitening will further open pores on exposed dentin and create sensitivity. It can also damage your enamel since some bleaching agents are slightly acidic. Let your teeth recover afterwards.
  2. Use a Desensitizing Gel to calm your the nerves in your teeth prior to whitening. For the most relief, you should apply the gel to your teeth for 10 to 30 minutes before bleaching using the same bleaching trays you got from your dentist and rinse afterwards. Ideally, the gel should contain both 5% potassium nitrate and fluoride. We are able to prescribe specifically designed desensitizing gels like UltraEZ™, Desensitize!, and Relief™, but in a pinch you can also try using in the trays a desensitizing toothpaste that contains 5% potassium nitrate. Using toothpaste instead of the commercial gels may also be a more cost-friendly method.
  3. Whiten as directed.
  4. Rinse out your mouth thoroughly after bleaching with water.Although bleaching companies try to make products that are pH balanced, many end up being slightly acidic. Getting your oral pH back to normal lets your teeth begin to recover.
  5. Use your finger (or q-tip) to gently apply to your teeth one of the Calcium based desensitizing toothpastes.Let the paste set for a few minutes and then spit thoroughly; do not rinse for at least 30 minutes following application. By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate’s Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH SENSITIVITY AFTER WHITENING?

Sensitive teeth after bleaching happens for two reasons:

  1. Bleaching molecules penetrate into your teeth increasing blood flow and pressure in the tooth pulp causing mild pulpitis. Although diffusion into your teeth helps amplify whitening effects since chromophore molecules in your tooth dentin can be broken up by hydrogen peroxide, the increased pressure irritates the tooth nerve slightly and makes your teeth more sensitive to stimuli in general. Everyone responds differently, generally these symptoms disappear in 24-48 hours.
  2. Increased tooth porosity and removal of the protective protein layer on the surface of your teeth. The protein pellicle layer is important in keeping the pores in exposed dentinclosed off from the oral environment. All whitening products must strip off this protein layer in order to dissolve surface stains. This will open up pores in exposed dentin and cause sensitivity.
How to calm teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening? - Preserve Your Teeth (2024)

FAQs

How to calm teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening? - Preserve Your Teeth? ›

Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride works to restore minerals onto the tooth's surfaces after dental procedures like tooth whitening. This treatment helps with preventing future re-staining and long-term tooth sensitivity.

How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately after whitening? ›

How Do You Treat Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening?
  1. Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ...
  2. Ask your dentist about potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel. ...
  3. Try a desensitizing toothpaste. ...
  4. Switch to a soft-bristled brush. ...
  5. Avoid cold beverages—or drink through a straw.

How to remineralize teeth after whitening? ›

Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride works to restore minerals onto the tooth's surfaces after dental procedures like tooth whitening. This treatment helps with preventing future re-staining and long-term tooth sensitivity.

How to stop zingers after whitening? ›

To reduce the occurrence of zingers, patients can use a desensitizing toothpaste before and after the treatment. They can also avoid hot or cold drinks and food for a few days after the treatment. The good news is that this sensitivity does not last very long.

What is the best pain relief for teeth whitening? ›

Take Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers To Help With Discomfort. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can help with tooth sensitivity after whitening, so feel free to take these drugs as directed by the label to help with sensitivity.

How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›

Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.

How do you restore enamel after whitening teeth? ›

Dentists can also strengthen a patient's enamel by performing a fluoride treatment after their whitening session. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth enamel that is weakened during teeth whitening. Teeth sensitivity can also be reduced by limiting how long the bleaching product is left on the patient's teeth.

How can I Remineralise my teeth at home? ›

6 Tips on How to Remineralize Teeth
  1. Increase Saliva Production. One of the most effective ways to repair tooth enamel is to maximize the amount of saliva you produce. ...
  2. Drink More Water. ...
  3. Use a Remineralizing Toothpaste. ...
  4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum. ...
  5. Eat a Remineralization Diet. ...
  6. Dodge Acidic Drinks.

How long do teeth pores stay open after whitening? ›

The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.

Can teeth whitening cause permanent sensitivity? ›

Teeth whitening by a professional does not lead to permanent sensitivity. You will start to experience perceptiveness during the process and for a short while after. The feeling is pronounced on the first day but improves significantly after that.

Does ibuprofen help with teeth sensitivity? ›

In fact, sometimes gum pain can present as tooth pain. Generally, most sources of pain and sensitivity have some inflammatory component to them. This is the reason that Advil/Ibuprofen or stronger formulations like Motrin work so well for quelling pain in the mouth.

How to close teeth pores after whitening? ›

By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate's Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.

How to fix tooth sensitivity after whitening? ›

Use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth twice a day after brushing to help promote re-mineralization. It is best to be gentle when brushing after your teeth whitening treatment. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. Colgate Sensitive Ultrasoft Toothbrush will be an excellent option.

How do you stop nerve pain in your tooth asap? ›

How do you stop nerve pain in your teeth? OTC pain relievers may help, and rinsing with warm water may provide some relief. Try to avoid chewing on your sore tooth, and stick to soft foods. Avoid foods and drinks that are very hot, cold, or sweet.

What is the best medicine for tooth sensitivity? ›

Painkiller paracetamol: A pain reliever commonly used Currently, paracetamol helps to relieve tooth sensitivity quickly. Group of antibiotics and aspirin: has a faster pain-reducing effect than paracetamol, helping to kill bacteria that cause oral diseases. 2.3.

Will ibuprofen help with tooth sensitivity after whitening? ›

Take pain medication – Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen prior to your teeth whitening procedure can help minimize sensitivity and discomfort. You can continue taking this medication after your treatment to manage any lingering sensitivity.

How long should teeth whitening hurt for? ›

Pain from teeth whitening is a reasonably common side effect. Thankfully though, it's a very temporary one, generally lasting a few days at most.

Why do my teeth feel throbbing after whitening? ›

Teeth sensitivity after whitening is not uncommon, and it usually occurs when the bleaching agents used in the whitening process penetrate the enamel and reach the tooth's nerve centre, known as the pulp.

References

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