One of the side effects of teeth whitening treatments is the increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods/beverages. This is the result of teeth enamel being weakened by the bleaching agents used to remove stains from deep inside teeth.
The increased sensitivity can lead to discomfort for the first couple of days after whitening treatments. The heightened sensitivity should be done within a week following treatments. See a dentist immediately if it lasts longer than that.
Minimalizing sensitivity after teeth whitening treatments
The most effective way to whiten teeth is doing in-office treatments performed by dentists. This process involves using highly-concentrated bleaching products that are not sold to the general public. This leads to many patients being satisfied with the results of the whitening treatment after their first session. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says that whitening treatments performed by dentists can improve the whiteness of teeth by up to eight shades after a single visit.
Those who are about to have their teeth whitened can build up their enamel by using desensitizing toothpaste to brush their teeth for around a week before their treatment. This numbs tiny nerve ending in their teeth, leading to less sensitivity.
Dentists can also help their patients reduce teeth sensitivity by adding potassium nitrate-fluoride to the bleaching agent. Studies show that this is an effective way to reduce teeth sensitivity caused by whitening treatments. 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. Around 90 minutes is the ideal time for professional whitening products to get most people's teeth to the ideal shade of white. Most patients can safely get this done at once, but those with sensitive teeth might be better off breaking it up into shorter treatments.
Dealing with teeth sensitivity after whitening treatments
Patients can reduce the sensitivity they experience after their treatment by doing the following:
- Be gentle when brushing teeth and use a soft toothbrush; enamel that has been weakened can be easily damaged by brushing too hard, leading to increased sensitivity
- A desensitizing toothpaste and mouth rinse can be used to numb nerve endings in the inner layers of teeth
- People with highly sensitive teeth might be better off with at-home whitening kits, as these use less concentrated bleaching products, so they cause less sensitivity
- Avoid hot and cold beverages/foods for the first two days following teeth whitening treatments
- Any discomfort or pain can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers
- Use a straw to prevent drinks that irritate teeth from making contact with them
Teeth whitening can still be safe with sensitive teeth
Having sensitive teeth only means that your dentist needs to take extra precautions leading up to and during your treatments. Call or visit our Madison clinic to learn more about how we can whiten the teeth of people with sensitive teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://dentalcareofmadison.com or call Dental Care of Madison at (601) 898-9390 for an appointment in our Madison office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Madison, MS.
FAQs
How Do You Treat Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening?
- Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ...
- Ask your dentist about potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel. ...
- Try a desensitizing toothpaste. ...
- Switch to a soft-bristled brush. ...
- Avoid cold beverages—or drink through a straw.
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.
How do you stop sensitive teeth pain fast? ›
10 Easy Home Remedies to Get Relief from Sensitive Teeth
- Desensitizing Toothpaste. esensitizing toothpaste can help relieve pain and prevent it from traveling to your brain. ...
- Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Honey and Warm Water. ...
- Capsaicin. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Saltwater Rinse. ...
- Vanilla Extract.
Best Strips
When we tested the best teeth whitening kits, we named the Crest Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth our top pick for people with tooth sensitivity. These strips are designed for sensitive teeth—like the Crest 3D Sensitive Whitestrips.
Does ibuprofen help teeth sensitivity? ›
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.
Why do I have unbearable pain after teeth 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.
How long does it take for teeth pores to close after whitening? ›
Once the pores close, which usually happens within 24-48 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits.
How long do teeth stay sensitive after whitening? ›
Teeth sensitivity after a professional whitening treatment can last a few days or weeks, or up to several months after. The length of your potential teeth sensitivity all depends on you and your unique case.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally? ›
When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.
What painkillers are good for sensitive teeth after whitening? ›
Take Over-The-Counter Painkillers Like Ibuprofen
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, and aspirin are quite effective at managing teeth sensitivity, particularly when paired with the other recommendations on this list.
Changing Habits: Changing certain habits, such as avoiding acidic foods and beverages, wearing a mouthguard to protect teeth from grinding, or using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing technique, can help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Can salt water help sensitive teeth? ›
A salt water rinse is an easy way to relieve mild discomfort or pain caused by tooth sensitivity. Rinsing your teeth with warm salt water a few times a day can help reduce any inflammation as well.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
How do celebrities get their teeth so white? ›
For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.
Is there a painless way to whiten teeth? ›
When the laser shines on the teeth, Patients barely feel anything, instead they experience a warm, comfortable sensation. The Laser activates the whitening gel for only short, 30-seconds intervals, compared to other light-based in-office whitening systems, that shine a heat-producing lamp for several minutes at a time.
How long does tooth sensitivity last after whitening? ›
Teeth sensitivity after a professional whitening treatment can last a few days or weeks, or up to several months after. The length of your potential teeth sensitivity all depends on you and your unique case.
How long do zingers last after teeth whitening? ›
Zingers are sudden, sharp zaps in a tooth that some people may experience after tooth whitening. They usually last for a few seconds at a time. These can occur during the whitening procedure and may last for a day or two after treatment.
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.
Can I use Orajel after teeth whitening? ›
If you are experiencing a lot of sensitivity, topical treatment like Orajel can also help with pain and discomfort, but use it sparingly, and don't use it for more than 7 days. If your teeth still feel really sensitive and painful after this time, you should schedule a follow up with Dr.
