How to Soothe Teeth Sensitivity After a Whitening Treatment

It’s no exaggeration to say many Americans have or consider having teeth whitening treatments. The procedure is now easier to access than ever before. In their most recent survey, the AACD or American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, found that teeth whitening and bleaching are in the top five treatments most performed by dentists.¹

However, while teeth whitening can give you a brighter smile, it is often accompanied by temporary and uncomfortable side effects. As reported by the ADA or American Dental Association:

“Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening”.²

If you are considering getting your teeth whitened but are concerned about these side effects, or if you have already undergone the procedure and are looking for information on how best to alleviate discomfort, this guide can help. In it, we cover the following:

• Why are teeth sensitive after whitening treatments?
• How long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening?
• What helps with teeth sensitivity after whitening?
• How to treat burned gums from teeth whitening
• What should I do if the sensitivity persists?

Read on to learn more.

Why are teeth sensitive after whitening treatments?

Teeth whitening products, whether in-office treatments or at-home kits, work by using peroxide-based agents. Typically, this is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 

When these whitening agents come into contact with your teeth, they release free radicals that break down organic compounds staining the surface of your teeth (also known as extrinsic stains). This process is what helps to whiten your teeth.³

However, exposure to the whitening agents can cause inflammation of the pulp or innermost layer of the tooth, and this in turn can result in sensitivity.⁴ Studies also suggest that whitening agents can widen the diameter of dentinal tubules, found in the dentin or sensitive layer beneath the enamel, which in turn can contribute to teeth sensitivity.⁵

It’s worth noting the strength of these side effects is directly related to the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening treatment.⁶

How long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening?

While this will vary from patient to patient, tooth sensitivity typically occurs during the whitening treatment, and it can last for several days. For some, it can extend beyond a week.^7,8 The severity and duration depend on factors such as:

• Whitening method: Professional in-office whitening treatments often use stronger agents, which may lead to more sensitivity than over-the-counter at-home products.
• Pre-existing sensitivity: People with naturally sensitive teeth are more likely to experience prolonged discomfort.
• Frequency of treatment: Frequent or aggressive teeth whitening can exacerbate sensitivity.

What helps with teeth sensitivity after whitening?

If you’re dealing with post-whitening sensitivity and are seeking relief, you could try any of the following:

• Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks to minimize pain.
• Use oral care products specially formulated to help reduce sensitivity after whitening. There are dentist-recommended dental gels designed to soothe your mouth and reduce the feeling of oral sensitivity caused by teeth whitening.
• Use post-whitening toothpastes that not only extend the effects of whitening treatments, but soothe and refresh your mouth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Allow your teeth time to recover before continuing with additional treatments.

You can also minimize teeth sensitivity prior to your whitening treatment by using a teeth-whitening pre-treatment. 

How to treat burned gums from teeth whitening

Your gums may be sensitive to whitening agents. Worse, there is sometimes a risk of burns to your gums from at-home whitening treatments.⁹

To treat burned gums:

• Try a gentle saltwater rinse to soothe the gums and reduce inflammation.
• Try a dental gel or a mouthwash for sensitive teeth and gums that is specially formulated to soothe your gums.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods.

What should I do if the sensitivity persists?

While sensitivity after whitening is normal, it should improve within a week. If the discomfort continues beyond this period or becomes severe, it’s important you consult your dentist. It may also mean you should consider switching to a gentler whitening product with a lower peroxide concentration.

Teeth sensitivity post-whitening is normal, but also manageable

Experiencing teeth sensitivity or gum discomfort after whitening is completely normal and usually temporary. Prioritizing proper post-whitening care can make all the difference. 

PerioSciences has developed pre- and post-whitening treatments that can help in this regard. Whitening agents create free radicals that bleach teeth but also lead to sensitivity. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, and our dental gel, teeth whitening pre-treatment and post-whitening oral care system contain our powerful, patented antioxidant formula that works to put a stop to pain or sensitivity caused by free radicals.

Soothe and refresh your mouth, and extend the effects of whitening treatments with our range of teeth whitening products. Remember, sensitivity is often temporary, and with the right approach, you can enjoy your brighter smile without enduring unnecessary pain.

References

1. AACD’s State of the Dental Industry, All-Star Dental Academy
   
2. Whitening, ADA
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Whitens Teeth by Oxidizing the Organic Structure, ScienceDirect
4. Human Pulp Responses to In-Office Tooth Bleaching, PubMed Central
5. Effect of Intracoronal Bleaching Agents on Ultrastructure and Mineral Content of Dentin, PubMed Central
6. Tooth Whitening, What We Now Know, PubMed Central
7. Pretty Painful: Why Does Tooth Bleaching Hurt?, ScienceDirect
8. Post-Operative Sensitivity and Color Change Due to In-Office Bleaching With the Prior Use of Different Desensitizing Agents: A Systematic Review, PubMed Central
9. Teeth Whitening, NHS UK