Suppose you decided to brighten up your smile with teeth whitening but are worried that your teeth will feel sensitive afterward. But no worries, you are not alone. Most patients experience it after the treatment. It can be a little bit uncomfortable, but nothing to worry about too much. Teeth whitening agents can temporarily make tooth enamel porous, which leads to sensitivity. Minor irritation is normal because sometimes whitening gel can come in contact with gums. Mostly, the sensitivity occurs within 24 to 48 hours, and after a few days, it heals on its own. Using the special toothpaste to prevent sensitivity and avoiding hot or cold food helps to manage sensitivity. 

Why teeth sensitivity happens after whitening 

• Once you have completed the teeth whitening session and are hoping for a brighter smile, but instead you are dealing with discomfort. No worries, it’s a common experience. Many patients wonder why sensitivity occurs after whitening. Let’s understand it completely. 
• The main reason behind the sensitivity is how teeth whitening agents interact with teeth. Think about it like opening the pathways. This can increase porosity, which means that things like hot or cold food can reach the inner part of teeth known as dentin. This is what causes sharpness and sometimes pain also. It’s not that whitening is damaging the enamel on a permanent basis, but yes, it can make it sensitive for a short period of time. 
• Sometimes the discomfort is not in your teeth; your gums feel too sore. This happens when the whitening product comes in contact with the gum line. The peroxide can cause mild irritation for a short time period. It’s not a big deal and adds to the overall feeling of sensitivity. If you experience sore gums with whitening agents, then be careful with application next time. 
• Experiencing tooth sensitivity after whitening is common. It’s a temporary side effect, and some patients can also feel pain that goes away after two to three days. The intensity can vary depending on the teeth, the product used and how long it’s being used. While it can be a bit of a nuisance, it is usually a sign that the process is working, with temporary discomfort. Managing the pain after teeth whitening can be possible with the right approach. 

Tips to reduce sensitivity after whitening 

So you have achieved a brighter smile, but your teeth are feeling some sensation. But it’s totally normal. Most patients feel sensitivity after whitening, but the good news is that it’s totally manageable. The following are effective tips for teeth whitening sensitivity prevention:

• Use special toothpaste for sensitivity 

This is the simplest and easiest step to prevent sensitivity. Special toothpaste is available especially for sensitive teeth, containing ingredients that help block the pain signals travelling from teeth to the nerve. Use this toothpaste regularly before and after the treatment. Sometimes, a little bit of toothpaste is left on the teeth after brushing; rinsing it off can help in a better way. It’s the easiest and simplest home remedy to prevent sensitivity. 

• Avoid cold or hot foods 

Your teeth are exposed to the nerves for a short time after whitening. So eating cold or hot items can feel like a shocking sensation in your teeth. You can eat food items or have drinks at normal temperature to feel comfortable, not discomfort, after having any dish. This may seem like a hassle, but it is really helpful to prevent tooth sensitivity. 

• Follow the instructions carefully 

Following the instructions carefully that come with a whitening kit is important. Overusing the product or not using the product properly can make the sensitivity worse. If you are using the custom trays, then make sure that they fit well and don’t leak onto the gums, which may cause irritation. 

• Apply fluoride gel 

Sometimes using the fluoride gel is recommended by the dentist or as a rinse after whitening. Fluoride is good for providing strength to tooth enamel and is very helpful in reducing sensitivity. If recommended by the dentist, then give it a try. This also helps to provide a little extra protection to teeth and recover faster. Fluoride gel is easily available at the drugstore, or a prescription-strength version is provided by your dentist. 

• Take a break between whitening sessions 

If you are doing at-home whitening sessions that may involve multiple sessions, don’t be afraid to take a day off when you are feeling sensitive. Pushing through just makes things worse. Listen to your teeth; sometimes giving a break allows you to calm the sensation before the next round of treatment. It’s better to go slower and be comfortable instead of rushing and ending with pain.  

Final takeaway 

Getting a brighter smile is awesome, but afterwards, dealing with sensitivity? In the entire blog, we talked about why it happens and how to prevent it. But the great news is that it’s not a serious situation. Just be gentle, use the prevention tips mentioned above, and use the prevention toothpaste. If you still do not get relief from the sensation with the prevention methods, then without any delay you can consult your dentist, who can guide you in a better way to prevent the sensation. Our expert, Dr. Bikramjit Singh Dhillon, is a highly qualified dentist providing exceptional dental care at Ludhiana Dental Centre to patients of all age groups. 

FAQ’S 

What’s the reason for teeth sensitivity after whitening?

The ingredients available in whitening products make the tooth enamel porous, which causes sharp pain in the teeth. 

How long does this sensitivity last?

This sensitivity can last for two days after whitening, and if you do not get relief, then consult with the dentist. 

What is the appropriate way to deal with sensitivity?

The appropriate way to deal with sensitivity is to use a special toothpaste containing ingredients that help block the pain signals. 

What are the things that we can do before whitening to prevent sensitivity?

Before whitening, you can use toothpaste for two weeks and make sure you don’t have other dental issues like gum problems or cavities. 

When to worry about sensitivity and consult with a dentist?

If the sensitivity is bad and not getting better one week after whitening, and if, along with sensitivity, you are dealing with toothache or other dental issues, then consult with the dentist without delay.