After you whiten your teeth you look in the mirror and love your new color. But as soon as you drink some cold water you feel that zap. Don’t worry. Teeth sensitivity after whitening is very normal and will go away.
In this article we will go over how to fix sensitivity after teeth whitening, what causes it and how long it will last. And when you should see your dentist.
Quick Answer: How Long Does Whitening Sensitivity Last?
It depends what you use and your teeth. Studies have shown that between 15% and 78% of people will experience sensitivity from external tooth bleaching. This study was published in the British Dental Journal. According to Colgate when using a professional grade product you can experience sensitivity for up to 2 weeks. Some dentist websites will tell you that it’s normal for it to wear off within 24-72 hours. All can be correct. Depending on how strong it is and how long your teeth have been exposed to it and thickness of enamel.
Here is the fastest route to comfort:
- Pause whitening until the sensitivity fades
- Brush with a desensitizing toothpaste
- Ask your dentist about a fluoride product
- Avoid very hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods for a few days
- See your dentist if the pain lasts beyond two weeks
Next, let’s look at why whitening makes teeth sensitive.
Why Whitening Makes Teeth Sensitive
Per oxide is what’s found in most whitening gels. From an article on The Super Dentists website about dental practices it says that the peroxide travels through your enamel and into the dentin layer of your teeth. Your dentin has small nerve endings in it which can cause sensitivity. Once you whiten your teeth they are more likely to be sensitive because your teeth are being demineralized. Your teeth will regain those minerals but until then you may experience sensitivity. The ADA states that when peroxide gets to your teeth it can inflame your pulp causing sensitivity.
There are some people who are more susceptible to having sensitive teeth. If your teeth have less enamel or if your dentin is exposed you may have longer periods of sensitivity. As mentioned earlier, using higher concentrations of peroxide will increase your chances of having sensitive teeth. This dental professional resource from Colgate states that “the greater the concentration of peroxide used the greater the likelihood of experiencing sensitivity.” They state that one study showed that all patients had sensitive teeth when using a 35% peroxide gel. Another reason why you may experience sensitive teeth is by using too much product or applying it for longer than instructed.
Many reasons can cause your teeth to become sensitive. Whitening is just one of them. Worn down enamel, gums receding from your teeth, cavities and cracked teeth can all cause sensitivity as well. There may be other issues with your teeth that become apparent when you whiten.
How to Get Rid of Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening: 9 Steps
Work through these in order.
- Pause whitening: Colgate says to take a break from whitening treatments until the sensitivity reduces. Sensitivity usually stops once you finish treatment. Do not push through the pain to hit a shade goal.
- Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste: Rudra Clinic says desensitizing toothpaste can reduce pain, and you can dab a little on the sore spot before bed. Colgate also suggests brushing with a gel or toothpaste that helps reduce sensitivity. Give it time. One sensitivity toothpaste in the ADA Seal program lists relief in as little as two weeks.
- Ask your dentist about fluoride: Colgate says your dentist can recommend a fluoride product to help remineralize your teeth. Cleveland Clinic also says fluoride strengthens teeth and lists fluoride varnish as a professional option.
- Brush gently, and time it well: Colgate says to brush before you begin whitening. It adds that brushing right after you remove a whitening strip or agent will only irritate your teeth. Use a soft brush and light pressure. Cleveland Clinic says hard brushing wears enamel and pushes gums back.
- Ease your triggers: Rudra Clinic says hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods can all set off sensitivity. Let hot drinks cool, sip cold ones slowly, and skip very sweet or sour snacks for a few days.
- Skip acidic foods and drinks: Rudra Clinic names citrus, tomatoes, pickles, and tea as foods that can wear down tooth surfaces. It also warns that some mouthwashes contain acids that worsen sensitivity. Ask your dentist for a gentler rinse. A Dorset County Hospital NHS leaflet says to wait at least 20 minutes after a fizzy drink before brushing, because acid softens the tooth surface.
- Ask about pain relief: The Super Dentists says research favors anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen over plain painkillers for whitening sensitivity. Check with your dentist or pharmacist first, because ibuprofen does not suit everyone. Follow the label.
- Space out your sessions: The Super Dentists advise breaks between whitening sessions. Colgate warns that overuse or incorrect use raises your risk of gum irritation and sensitivity. Follow the product directions exactly.
- Ask about a gentler formula: A systematic review of clinical trials found limited evidence that 37% carbamide peroxide whitens as well as 35% hydrogen peroxide in the dental office while causing less sensitivity. A separate literature review of nine studies also found that carbamide peroxide caused less sensitivity. Talk to your dentist about whether a different agent or a lower concentration suits your teeth.
Before You Whiten Again: How to Prevent Sensitivity
Prevention beats repair. Next time:
- Get a dental check first: Colgate says to ask your dental professional about your sensitivity risk before you start. Cavities, cracks, and receding gums can make whitening painful, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- Pick the gentlest option that works: Colgate says whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes carry the lowest risk of side effects because their bleaching agents are very low in concentration. The risk is highest with in-office products.
- Follow the clock: Do not leave gel on longer than the instructions say.
- Protect your fillings: Colgate notes that some research suggests whitening may affect dental restorations, depending on the material. Ask your dentist before you whiten if you have fillings, crowns, or veneers.
What Not to Do
A few habits make whitening sensitivity worse:
- Treating sensitivity as proof the product works: An article from a dental care brand says sensitivity often means you are overdoing it, and that you risk lasting damage. Colgate also lists possible damage to restorations or enamel among whitening side effects.
- Using an acidic mouthwash: Rudra Clinic says some mouthwashes contain acids that worsen sensitivity.
- Scrubbing harder: Hard brushing wears enamel.
- Ignoring it: Cleveland Clinic warns that untreated sensitivity can lead to cavities, gum disease, an infected tooth, and worsening pain.
When to See a Dentist
Call your dentist if:
- Sensitivity lasts longer than two weeks. Colgate says it may last that long or more after professional whitening, but longer deserves a check.
- The pain is sharp or does not go away. Cleveland Clinic lists both as reasons to make an appointment.
- Only one tooth hurts. A Colgate page citing the Academy of General Dentistry says to see your dentist right away whether one tooth or several are sensitive, because early diagnosis can stop small problems from growing.
- Your gums look swollen, burned, or irritated
- Home care has not helped after four weeks. A sensitivity toothpaste label in the ADA Seal program says to ask a dentist if sensitivity persists that long.
Sensitivity that outlasts your whitening plan is a sign the whitening may have exposed another problem. Do not wait for it to fade.
What a Dentist Can Do for Whitening Sensitivity
There are many ways to treat your condition depending on what’s causing it. According to Colgate there are desensitizing products your dentist may prescribe. Some of these include dental bonding, applying dentin sealant and applying fluoride varnish according to the Cleveland Clinic. Your dentist can also modify or withhold your whitening procedure.
If your teeth are sensitive due to a different condition such as a broken tooth or bad nerve. There are not many things you can do at home. The website Rudra Dental Smilelature located in Salem mentions having regular checkups and root canals. You should always get a checkup if you feel like your teeth are sensitive. They will be able to determine if it’s from whitening or another issue. Speak to your dentist about what options you have.
Next Steps
Stop using your whitening toothpaste. Use a sensitive tooth paste and brush lightly. Stay away from hot and cold foods and drinks for a couple of days. Talk to your dentist about using fluoride on your teeth. It should take your teeth no more than 2 weeks to stop hurting.
If they continue to hurt or become more painful go get an appointment with your dentist. The dentists at Rudra Dental Smilelature in Salem will be able to examine your teeth and gums or you can see any licensed dentist. Your teeth shouldn’t hurt you for that long when smiling.
FAQs
Is sensitivity after whitening normal?
Yes. Peroxide reaches the inner layer of the tooth, so mild sensitivity is common. A British Dental Journal review found it affects 15 to 78 percent of whitening patients. It usually fades, but see a dentist if it lingers.
How long does whitening sensitivity last?
Many practice sites say 24 to 72 hours. Colgate says professional whitening can cause sensitivity for two weeks or longer. If your teeth still hurt after two weeks, book a dental exam instead of waiting.
Does sensitivity mean the whitening is working?
No. One dental care brand says sensitivity often means you are overdoing it. Peroxide reaching the dentin causes the pain, not better results. Stop whitening until it fades, then ask your dentist about a gentler plan.
Can whitening cause permanent sensitivity?
Colgate says whitening sensitivity is usually temporary and stops after treatment ends. Lasting pain suggests an underlying problem such as recession, a crack, or decay. Cleveland Clinic says untreated sensitivity can worsen, so get it checked.
When can I whiten again?
Wait until the sensitivity has fully faded, and ask your dentist first. Colgate advises pausing treatment until sensitivity reduces. Your dentist may suggest a lower-strength product, shorter sessions, or a different agent.