Why Are My Teeth Sensitive After Whitening? | Harrisburg Smiles (2024)

FAQs

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive After Whitening? | Harrisburg Smiles? ›

Teeth whitening products weaken your teeth slightly when used, and it's thought that this may expose the microtubules in your teeth, leading them to feel much more sensitive to pressure, hot and cold, and other sensations. This would also explain why sensitivity doesn't usually last very long.

Teeth whitening products weaken your teeth slightly when used, and it's thought that this may expose the microtubules in your teeth, leading them to feel much more sensitive to pressure, hot and cold, and other sensations. This would also explain why sensitivity doesn't usually last very long.

Use a mouthwash for sensitive teeth containing fluoride or potassium nitrate twice daily before bedtime. It will help to soothe the sensitive areas and provide relief from pain. Go for Colgate Plax Gentle Care Mouthwash that has all the right ingredients to avoid further irritation.

As a result of the hydrogen peroxide, it is expected that you will experience short, sharp bouts of pain when drinking hot or cold drinks, brushing your teeth and eating or drinking sweet or acidic food or drink. However, this should pass within 48 hours.

Some people may have teeth that are sensitive to peroxide. Your teeth may start to ache during the whitening procedure, and you may feel discomfort when drinking or eating hot or cold products. This potential side effect of teeth whitening is usually short-term, and goes away with time.

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.

Any saliva that makes its way into your whitening trays can completely kill the process, leaving you with spotty results and uneven whitening, if any at all! We eliminate this problem by custom building your whitening trays.

While teeth whitening is very safe and effective, it is common to experience sensitivity after your treatment. The good news is that this sensitivity is only temporary; however, it can still cause some discomfort for the first few days after your procedure.

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.

Fluoride. Your dentist may apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth. This can help strengthen tooth enamel and ease pain. Your dentist also might suggest that you use prescription fluoride at home.

Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›

The Whitening Process & Why It Dehydrates Teeth

The tooth's pores are now open and exposed to the outside environment. This raises the internal temperature of the teeth, resulting in a loss of moisture and making them prone to dehydration and other vulnerabilities, including tooth pain and sensitivity.

Brushing too soon could potentially damage this delicate layer and lead to tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. To strike a balance between these perspectives, dentists often recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after using whitening strips.

The myth that teeth whitening will make your teeth more susceptible to staining is mostly untrue. In the first couple days after whitening, you must avoid foods and beverages with dark pigments, such as coffee and berries. After the pores in your enamel close, your teeth will retain their newly whitened color.

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 often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.

In fact, over-the-counter teeth whitening kits commonly cause temporary tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity may occur during your treatment or when consuming hot or cold beverages. Here is some information on why teeth whitening treatments can cause temporary sensitivity and how to manage it.

We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel.

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.