Managing Teeth Whitening Pain
Some slight pain is common when whitening teeth. This discomfort (also known as dentinal hypersensitivity) is usually temporary and can be managed in a number of ways. However, if you are experiencing unbearable pain after teeth whitening, please contact your dentist. This could indicate that a more serious underlying issue is present. Skip to:
- Why do we experience sensitive teeth after whitening?
- Common symptoms of teeth whitening pain
- How long does teeth whitening hurt?
- Best ways to manage teeth whitening pain
Why do we experience sensitive teeth after whitening?
When a bleaching ingredient comes into contact with a tooth, the ingredient penetrates the enamel and exposes the nerves in the dentine (the layer beneath). These exposed nerves then become vulnerable to sensitivity-inducing stimuli such as cold drinks. At-home kits and DIY products also pose a higher risk of pain. How? Ill-fitting mouth trays may cause the whitening gel to spill onto the gums and deliver a burning sensation. Many products lack ingredient regulations, meaning overly potent whitening agents could damage the enamel, while unclear instructions lead to user error. In addition to this, pain can be aggravated by a number of pre-existing oral health problems, including gum disease. The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite recommend fixing these issues prior to teeth whitening with the following procedures to help minimise your discomfort.
Dental Problem
Recommended Treatment
Gum disease
Hygienist appointments
Nanofill Composite Bonding®, crowns, porcelain veneers
Fillings, crowns
Gum recession
Common symptoms of teeth whitening pain
If you are wanting a whiter smile but feel nervous about this temporary discomfort, please let us put your mind to rest. As mentioned earlier, sensitivity is very minimal and short lived. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:
- Quick, sharp pains when consuming something hot, cold, sugary or acidic
- Gum irritation
- A dull toothache
- Stinging sensations
How long does teeth whitening hurt?
For most patients, teeth whitening pain typically lasts 24 - 48 hours after their treatment. If your teeth are more naturally sensitive, or you have underlying oral health problems, this time period may be longer. In fact, many patients report feeling no sensitivity whatsoever!
Best ways to manage teeth whitening pain
Luckily, there are many ways in which you are able to manage this pain. To help you achieve the dazzling smile of your dreams with minimal discomfort, we have listed our top 10 tips for dealing with sensitivity after teeth whitening.
- Use a sensitive toothpaste
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid very hot or cold food and drinks
- Avoid consuming anything highly acidic or sugary
- Drink through a straw
- Wear a scarf outside if cold to prevent the chilly air from hitting your teeth
- Only choose dentist-led treatments and products
- Take your usual over-the-counter pain medication
- Apply a cold compress to the skin
- Swish with a lukewarm saltwater rinse to help soothe irritated gums
Conclusion: There is a possibility that you will experience some pain during teeth whitening, especially the first 24 - 48 hours. However, the confidence boost you will receive from your new, dazzling smile makes it completely worth it. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today for a Hollywood transformation.