Strategies to Cope With Teeth Whitening Pain

Teeth whitening is a quick and painless procedure that restores your smile to a gleaming bright condition. With a brighter, Hollywood-style smile, you will feel more confident and attractive, which is one reason why this procedure is so popular. Some patients, however, experience teeth sensitivity after a teeth whitening procedure.

How To Tell If Your Teeth Are Sensitive

Tooth sensitivity feels like a sharp pain at the root of your teeth. Common triggers are hot or cold drinks, chocolates, baked goods, citrus fruits or drinks, as well as sweet and sour foods. When the pain sensation hits you, it can be mild or severe. A dentist can usually check for tooth sensitivity (due to improper cleaning) during a routine appointment.

Tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening could be due to the hydrogen peroxide used in the process, which can irritate the nerve roots of the teeth.

Tips to Reduce Sensitivity

There are many techniques you can employ to reduce tooth sensitivity following a teeth whitening treatment. Here are some dentist-approved ones:

  • Don’t brush after a teeth whitening procedure. Brushing beforehand if you like, but avoid brushing immediately after. This can irritate already exposed dentin and damage enamel.
  • Take a pain-reliever. Ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms of tooth sensitivity. Dentists usually recommend taking a pain-reliever before a teeth whitening procedure.
  • Brush teeth gently. Hard bristles and vigorous brushing can exacerbate teeth sensitivity. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take it easy on your teeth. Use gentle strokes when brushing.
  • Use dental hygiene products for sensitive teeth. For the time being, you may want to switch to sensitive toothpaste. Sensodyne has a wide range of toothpaste for people with sensitive teeth. Potassium nitrate is a key ingredient that helps protect teeth from sensitivity.
  • Use fluoride-containing products. Fluoride rinses and prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste (which your dentist can prescribe) can help alleviate teeth sensitivity symptoms by strengthening your enamel.
  • Avoid triggers. After having your teeth whitened, avoid common triggers, such as foods that exasperate sensitivity.

If teeth sensitivity is persistent or worsens despite these tips, let your dentist know. The sensitivity should only last 48 hours if caused by teeth whitening. Dentists can apply desensitizing products to your teeth, which can effectively reduce sensitivity.

Your dental team will provide recommendations on how to prevent teeth sensitivity after whitening. It may involve using teeth sensitivity and pain-relieving products beforehand, especially if you already suffer from sensitive teeth.

Teeth Whitening in Eugene, OR

If you are interested in teeth whitening, Dr. Ari Binder of 360 Dental can help you achieve the white and bright smile of your dreams with our professional teeth whitening services. Our dental team specializes in creating Hollywood smiles for our patients, whether it’s through whitening or a combination of services that include professional cleanings, dental crowns, and implants.

We can provide helpful and clear instructions to help prevent or relieve teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening. We make sure you have the information you need for a more positive and comfortable experience. To schedule your dental visit with us, call 360 Dental at (541) 689-1645 or use our online request form.