Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Whitening treatments can lift deep stains and brighten your smile, but they sometimes leave your teeth feeling sensitive afterward.
This blog explains what causes post-whitening sensitivity and offers ten effective ways to ease discomfort and support your enamel as it recovers.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
To get rid of sensitive teeth after whitening, focus on gentle oral care, hydration, and avoiding triggers like hot drinks and acidic foods. Use sensitive toothpaste with potassium nitrate, try fluoride treatments, and avoid OTC products with high peroxide levels.
Why Teeth Feel Sensitive After Whitening
Whitening treatments open up the pores of your enamel to lift deep stains. That temporarily exposes the nerves underneath, which makes your teeth more reactive to cold foods, hot foods, and pressure.
This temporary sensitivity is a side effect of peroxide-based whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are common in both professional and over-the-counter products.
10 Ways to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening
Whitening can make teeth temporarily sensitive. Here are 10 ways to ease the discomfort and protect your enamel.
- Brush with desensitizing toothpaste: Use a sensitivity toothpaste with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Begin 10 days before whitening and continue afterward to soothe nerves and reduce enamel erosion.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on enamel and reduces the risk of further irritation.
- Avoid hot and cold drinks: These can aggravate sensitive teeth. Stick to lukewarm water and avoid temperature extremes for a couple of days.
- Skip acidic foods: Acidic food and drinks like citrus, soda, and vinegar can weaken tooth enamel and increase sensitivity.
- Try fluoride treatments: Fluoride rinses or in-office fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce teeth sensitivity.
- Take breaks between whitening sessions: Give your enamel time to recover between treatments to reduce the level of sensitivity.
- Avoid over-the-counter whitening products: Many OTC products contain high levels of hydrogen peroxide and poorly fitting trays, which can damage tooth enamel and increase pain.
- Drink through a straw: Using a straw can help minimize contact between whitening agents or acidic drinks and your teeth, reducing the chance of triggering sensitivity.
- Rinse with lukewarm water: This minimizes sudden shocks to sensitive teeth and supports oral health during recovery.
- Use a mineralizing gel after whitening: Products designed to replenish calcium and phosphate can help rebuild enamel and reduce sensitivity. Ask your dentist which options are safe to use after whitening.
Schedule Professional Teeth Whitening in Mesa, AZ
If you want brighter results with minimized sensitivity, professional teeth whitening offers a more controlled and comfortable approach. At Power Road Dental Care, we provide Opalescence take-home trays, an effective, patient-friendly whitening option trusted by dental professionals.
These trays are custom-designed to fit your teeth securely and comfortably. Each tray comes pre-filled with a professional-grade whitening gel, allowing you to brighten your smile at home, on your own schedule. The formula is designed to minimize tooth sensitivity while still delivering excellent results.
If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ. Xall (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.
FAQ
Why do whitening strips hurt my teeth?
Whitening strips are designed to be one-size-fits-all, which means they often do not fit your teeth perfectly. This can lead to the whitening gel touching your gums or sitting unevenly on your enamel. Many strips also use high levels of peroxide, which can temporarily irritate the nerves inside your teeth. If you already have worn enamel or sensitive teeth, this reaction is more likely..
How do you rehydrate teeth after whitening?
Teeth rehydrate naturally through saliva. Drink plenty of water, use fluoride toothpaste, and avoid alcohol-based mouthwash or acidic foods while your enamel recovers. Learn more tips in our blog: How to Rehydrate Teeth After Whitening
How long does it take for pain to go away after teeth whitening?
Most sensitivity after teeth whitening fades within 24 to 48 hours. In some cases, it may last a couple of days longer, depending on the level of sensitivity and the condition of your enamel. If it persists, consult your dental professional to rule out more serious issues.