Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening? | Lane And Associates Dentistry (2024)

Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening? | Lane And Associates Dentistry (1)

Whitening your teeth is a great way to help improve your smile, and by extension, your confidence! But if you experience pain after whitening, you may be reluctant to try whitening again. There are a variety of reasons you may have discomfort after whitening, and we’re here to help you understand how you can help prevent or lessen the after-effects of whitening your teeth.


If you have questions about professional teeth whitening or would like to see if you qualify for our Free Whitening Program, contact us below or call us at 1-877-526-3337.

Contact Our Team | Learn About Our Free Teeth Whitening Program


Reasons Your Teeth Hurt After Whitening

Do you have thin enamel? This is usually the first thing we will look for if you are experiencing pain after whitening treatments. However, patients with strong enamel may still experience some discomfort after whitening. Peroxide, one of the main ingredients in whitening solutions, can irritate the nerves in your teeth, which is probably why you experience discomfort when drinking something cold or when you go outside in cold temperatures.

How Long Should My Teeth Hurt After Whitening?


If you experience pain after whitening, it should subside within 24 to 48 hours. If it lasts longer than this, contact your Lane dentist immediately.

How Can I Prevent Tooth-Whitening Pain?

If you know that you have sensitive teeth, ask your dentist about a desensitizing toothpaste to help counter any whitening-related discomfort you might have after your treatment. You can also ask your dentist about using potassium nitrate in your whitening tray, as it has been known to help reduce tooth pain.

You can also take an anti-inflammatory as a proactive measure before your whitening appointment. Brush your teeth before your treatment, not after. Doing so after will further expose the dentin of your teeth, which will exacerbate any sensitivity. Brushing after whitening can also damage your enamel, and once that’s gone, you can’t get it back.

If whitening-related sensitivity is still a problem, consider reducing your amount of whitening treatments. Remember to also use a soft-bristle brush and warm water to combat any lingering sensitivity issues.

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Despite some discomfort for patients with sensitivity, tooth whitening is a safe cosmetic dentistry practice when done currently. If you whiten at home, be sure to follow the directions and never leave strips or trays in for longer than suggested. If you have your whitening done at our dentist’s office, you can be confident that your dentist is using safe techniques and materials. Feel free to ask for more information from your dentist if you have any questions.


Trust Lane & Associates for Your Dental Needs

Whether you’re interested in our Free Whitening program, need a routine check-up appointment, or would like more information on our other dental procedures, contact us here online or call us at 1-877-526-3337. Here at Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, we love to make you smile! Come see us today and get the smile you deserve.

Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening? | Lane And Associates Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening? | Lane And Associates Dentistry? ›

So when you do the whitening, the peroxide will penetrate through the enamel of your teeth into the dentin. In the dentin of your teeth there are our pores that become sensitive when they're exposed to the outside.

Is it normal for teeth to hurt after whitening? ›

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.

Does teeth whitening at dentist make your teeth sensitive? ›

Whitening treatments may leave teeth sensitive to cold temperatures during or after the whitening procedure. Avoid eating or drinking anything cold to avoid discomfort caused by extreme temperatures.

Does professional teeth whitening hurt your teeth? ›

Although safe, the bleaching agent can cause some discomfort in the form of tooth sensitivity. Not every patient experiences tooth sensitivity during treatment. Whether or not you experience discomfort will depend on whether you experience tooth sensitivity to begin with.

Why is my teeth whitening making my teeth worse? ›

The precise cause of teeth whitening-induced sensitivity is not yet known. However, the leading hypothesis has to do with the effects of peroxides on your enamel and dentin. As the peroxide product bleaches away the stains on your teeth, it also causes slight demineralization which makes your teeth more porous.

Why do my teeth hurt so bad after bleaching? ›

Why do your teeth become sensitive after whitening? Tooth sensitivity after whitening is due to carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These are the most common ingredients in teeth whitening products. They both work by creating a chemical reaction with the chromogens on the teeth.

How to stop nerve pain after teeth whitening? ›

In addition to the above solutions, there are a few at-home remedies to alleviate unbearable pain after tooth whitening.
  1. Apply Cold Compresses. A cold compress can provide immediate, temporary relief from pain and discomfort. ...
  2. Use Pain Relievers. ...
  3. Warm Saltwater Rinse. ...
  4. Avoid Trigger Foods and Beverages.

Can you damage your teeth by whitening? ›

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration.

How do you 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.

What is the bad side of teeth whitening? ›

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›

Though teeth whitening is a noninvasive dental procedure, at-home kits, even when used by the average healthy patient, can come with risks and side effects. Tooth sensitivity, adverse reactions to dubious ingredients, and a poorly done or inconsistent job of teeth whitening can result.

Can teeth go more yellow after whitening? ›

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

How can I make my teeth feel better after whitening? ›

Our Favorite Ways to Soothe Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening
  1. Avoid Hot and Cold Drinks. ...
  2. Apply a Cold Compress. ...
  3. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush. ...
  4. Don't Brush Too Hard. ...
  5. Try a Sensitivity Gel or request a Fluoride Varnish. ...
  6. Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages. ...
  7. Apply Coconut Oil.

How long does it take for teeth to settle after whitening? ›

teeth whitening may include temporary tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or mild discomfort during the procedure. These effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days.

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.

Can teeth whitening damage teeth? ›

Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”

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