Tips to Minimize Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening (2024)

Tips to Minimize Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening (1)

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.

Tips to Minimize Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening (2024)

FAQs

How to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately after whitening? ›

How Do You Treat Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening?
  1. Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ...
  2. Ask your dentist about potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel. ...
  3. Try a desensitizing toothpaste. ...
  4. Switch to a soft-bristled brush. ...
  5. Avoid cold beverages—or drink through a straw.

How to help zingers after teeth whitening? ›

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.

Are there any products that can be given to the patient to minimize sensitivity after bleaching? ›

Potassium nitrate can also be found in desensitizing toothpastes like Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste. Recommend that your patient brushes with such a toothpaste twice daily before and for the duration of their whitening treatment to reduce the risk and intensity of sensitivity.

Does ibuprofen help with 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.

Will ibuprofen help with tooth sensitivity after whitening? ›

Take pain medication – Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen prior to your teeth whitening procedure can help minimize sensitivity and discomfort. You can continue taking this medication after your treatment to manage any lingering sensitivity.

How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›

Conclusion. In conclusion, rehydrating your teeth after whitening is essential for maintaining health, comfort, and appearance. Remember to drink plenty of water, hydrate with mouthwash, avoid acidic and sugary foods, and moisturize with toothpaste.

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 to remineralize teeth after whitening? ›

Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride works to restore minerals onto the tooth's surfaces after dental procedures like tooth whitening. This treatment helps with preventing future re-staining and long-term tooth sensitivity.

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.

How to close teeth pores after whitening? ›

By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate's Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.

How long will my gums stay white after teeth whitening? ›

Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.

When can I brush my teeth after teeth whitening? ›

While it may be tempting to brush immediately after using whitening strips for a fresh feeling in your mouth, it's best to wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Remember that proper usage and timing are key factors in achieving a brighter smile safely and effectively!

How to fix teeth sensitivity after whitening? ›

How to get rid of teeth sensitivity after whitening?
  1. How to get rid of teeth sensitivity after whitening? ...
  2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. ...
  3. Avoid exposure to hot and cold drinks or food. ...
  4. Apply a sensitive teeth toothpaste. ...
  5. Mouthwash.

How do you fix sensitive teeth ASAP? ›

10 Easy Home Remedies to Get Relief from Sensitive Teeth
  1. Desensitizing Toothpaste. esensitizing toothpaste can help relieve pain and prevent it from traveling to your brain. ...
  2. Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash. ...
  3. Green Tea. ...
  4. Honey and Warm Water. ...
  5. Capsaicin. ...
  6. Turmeric. ...
  7. Saltwater Rinse. ...
  8. Vanilla Extract.
Sep 12, 2021

How long do zingers last after teeth whitening? ›

These zingers may be felt in a single tooth or multiple teeth and should typically subside within 24-48 hours following the whitening procedure. Don't worry if you experience zingers, they're a normal part of the teeth-whitening process and will be gone before you know it!

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.

How to treat burned gums from teeth whitening? ›

How to Treat Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening
  1. Rinse Your Mouth Immediately. ...
  2. Apply a Cold Compress. ...
  3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief. ...
  4. Aloe Vera Gel. ...
  5. Avoid Irritants. ...
  6. Saltwater Rinse. ...
  7. Give It Time. ...
  8. Consult a Dentist.
Oct 15, 2023

How can I lighten my sensitive teeth? ›

Professional whitening treatments are the safest way to remove long-term stains if you have sensitive teeth. They are also the most effective. They don't harm the natural enamel of your teeth, so they're less likely to add to your sensitivity.

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