10 Ways to Cope With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity (2024)

A gleaming white smile can boost your self confidence, and today's tooth-whitening products are easier than ever to use at home.

Years ago, most whitening products contained very harsh ingredients that were found to actually damage teeth and cause extreme sensitivity. Products have improved greatly since then and now use high-quality ingredients that are gentler on your teeth.

Tooth whitening is a rather simple procedure that can be accomplished either at the dental office or in your own home. The only downside to whitening your teeth is the sensitivity that sometimes develops.

This article discusses what tooth sensitivity is, how whitening treatments can cause it, and what you can do to reduce the symptoms.

10 Ways to Cope With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity (1)

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is experienced as a rush or wave of pain, usually in response to hot or cold foods and drinks. It isn't known exactly why tooth whitening causes sensitivity.

However, peroxide—one of the main ingredients in most tooth-whitening products—can weaken tooth enamel. This can expose the middle layer of the tooth, called the dentin.

Dentin is a sensitive part of the tooth. It surrounds the tooth's pulp (where the nerves are), and is made up of tiny tubes. When a tooth's nerves are irritated, it can cause pain.

The Possible Side Effects Teeth Whitening

If you already suffer from tooth sensitivity and are thinking about whitening your teeth, you may want to reconsider because it could make your sensitivity worse. However, there are ways to combat this issue and still allow yourself to whiten your teeth and achieve a beautiful smile.

Tips to Reduce Sensitivity

If you are whitening your teeth at home and develop sensitivity, the techniques below may help. These tips may also be helpful if you've had your teeth whitened at the dentist's office.

  1. Follow the instructions. It's important to follow all the instructions closely, whether they're your dentist's directions when using a professional product or the manufacturer's instructions for the over-the-counter products. Never whiten your teeth for longer than recommended.
  2. Cut back. Try cutting back to every other day treatments if sensitivity starts to develop, and try shorter application times. Sometimes just giving your teeth a short break between treatments can help alleviate symptoms.
  3. Take a pain reliever beforehand. Taking pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), can help reduce or prevent symptoms if you take it before applying the whitening product.
  4. Use a product with less peroxide. While you may think that a higher level of peroxide might give you a better result, it's not worth it if you have pain. Check to see if you are using a product with a lower peroxide level (6% to 10% is a relatively low peroxide level for most people).
  5. Limit cold drinks and foods during treatment. Whitening can really make sensitivity issues worse. Limiting very cold or very hot food and drinks during treatment can minimize your symptoms.
  6. Don't overuse whitening products. It's important to follow instructions and not leave whitening products on your teeth longer than recommended. However, it's also important to avoid using them for more treatment sessions than you should. Doing this can make your teeth very sensitive or even damage them.
  7. Use fluoride rinsesand/or sensitivity toothpaste. These products can help protect sensitive teeth and alleviate the symptoms. Fluoride treatmentsare also sometimes recommended either before, during, or after you whiten your teeth.
  8. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Softer bristles are gentler on your teeth and gums. This can help cut back on your symptoms.
  9. Get help. Always call your dentist if your sensitivity issues continue or get worse when using a whitening treatment. Sensitivity can be a symptom of a serious problem like receding gums or cavities.
  10. Ask your dentist about desensitizing products that can be applied at the office. Your dentist may have treatments that can reduce sensitivity. When used correctly, they have been known to be effective at relieving symptoms, regardless of the cause.

Although tooth sensitivity with whitening is very common, it is usually of short duration, lasting just 24 to 48 hours.

Tooth Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Dentist

Summary

Even though tooth-whitening products are safe to use at home, it's still possible to develop sensitivity from using them. Knowing the steps you can take to reduce sensitivity symptoms and knowing when to contact your dentist can help you complete your treatment and put you on the path to a bright, white smile.

Tooth Pain: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Dentist

3 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Kalliath C, Mukunda A, Pynadath M, Venugopal V, Prethweeraj J. Comparison between the effect of commercially available chemical teeth whitening paste and teeth whitening paste containing ingredients of herbal origin on human enamel. Ayu. 2018;39(2):113-117. doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_82_18

  2. Epple M, Meyer F, Enax J. A critical review of modern concepts for teeth whitening. Dent J (Basel). 2019;7(3). doi:10.3390/dj7030079

  3. Davari A, Ataei E, Assarzadeh H. Dentin hypersensitivity: etiology, diagnosis and treatment; a literature review.J Dent (Shiraz). 2013;14(3):136-145. PMID:24724135

Additional Reading

By Lora Dodge
She was certified by the Dental Assisting National Board in 2001. Her career in dentistry first began in orthodontics and continued to expand into general dentistry, pediatrics, and oral surgery.

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10 Ways to Cope With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity (2024)

FAQs

10 Ways to Cope With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity? ›

If you have sensitive teeth and prefer to steer clear of bleach, a whitening toothpaste such as Sensodyne Extra Whitening could be your answer.

How do you stop sensitive teeth from hurting after whitening? ›

How to get rid of teeth sensitivity after whitening?
  1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is best to be gentle when brushing after your teeth whitening treatment. ...
  2. Avoid exposure to hot and cold drinks or food. ...
  3. Apply a sensitive teeth toothpaste. ...
  4. Mouthwash.

What is the best way to whiten sensitive teeth? ›

If you have sensitive teeth and prefer to steer clear of bleach, a whitening toothpaste such as Sensodyne Extra Whitening could be your answer.

Why do I have extreme sensitivity after tooth whitening? ›

The bleaching agents in teeth whitening solutions open up the pores of the teeth and leave the nerves that reside inside the teeth vulnerable, which is why sensitivity is common.

Will ibuprofen help with teeth sensitivity? ›

Sensitive teeth can be as big of a pain as stubbing your toe! The dull ache temporary disappears after ibuprofen or Tylenol but is back within the hour. Many factors can contribute to tooth pain and sensitivity such as an acidic diet, a soft tooth core, lack of fluoride, receding gums, or a cavity.

How do celebrities get their teeth so white? ›

If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.

What is the least harmful way to whiten teeth? ›

Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

What is the safest way to whiten teeth without sensitivity? ›

In-office bleaching procedures:

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.

How long do teeth stay sensitive after whitening? ›

Teeth sensitivity after a professional whitening treatment can last a few days or weeks, or up to several months after. The length of your potential teeth sensitivity all depends on you and your unique case.

Does Tylenol help with teeth sensitivity? ›

Take Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers To Help With Discomfort. 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.

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.

What painkillers are good for sensitive teeth after whitening? ›

Take Over-The-Counter Painkillers Like Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, and aspirin are quite effective at managing teeth sensitivity, particularly when paired with the other recommendations on this list.

How to restore tooth enamel naturally? ›

Eat a Remineralization Diet

Certain foods can help remineralize softened areas in your teeth that acidic foods and drinks have weakened. For example, foods rich in calcium (dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt) help put back minerals into the enamel, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables encourage saliva flow.

Can salt water help sensitive teeth? ›

5. Rinse with Salt Water. You can rinse your toothbrush with saltwater before brushing to help combat tooth sensitivity. The high concentration of salt will act as an antiseptic that kills the bacteria that may be causing tooth sensitivity!

How long does tooth sensitivity last after whitening? ›

Teeth sensitivity after a professional whitening treatment can last a few days or weeks, or up to several months after. The length of your potential teeth sensitivity all depends on you and your unique case.

How long should teeth be sensitive after whitening? ›

It all results from the penetration of hydrogen peroxide, for it will not stop at your enamel or dentin. Instead, it will go all the way down to the pulp during a 5-15-minutes exposure period. Sensitivity can last several days and usually starts at the time of treatment.

Does teeth sensitivity after whitening go away? ›

The whitening chemicals can enter dentin tubules, which are microscopic channels in the enamel that lead to the nerves. Fortunately, dentinal hypersensitivity rarely lasts longer than 48 hours, and you can take steps to prevent sensitive teeth after whitening.

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.

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