To reduce the occurrence of zingers, patients can use a desensitizing toothpaste before and after the treatment. They can also avoid hot or cold drinks and food for a few days after the treatment. The good news is that this sensitivity does not last very long.
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.
Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
If you experience increased sensitivity following tooth whitening, a desensitizing toothpaste can help. Regular use of a desensitizing toothpaste can build a protective barrier on your teeth, reducing sensitivity over time.
You can also use topical pain relievers like Orajel to help with sensitivity, but this is usually only necessary in patients who have especially sensitive teeth.
Reduces Acidity and Plaque
As such, baking soda not only prevents tooth decay but also helps remineralize your enamel. Baking soda can also limit plaque buildup by neutralizing plaque acids. Many kinds of toothpaste contain baking soda to help clean teeth more effectively and protect against plaque.
Teeth sensitivity after whitening is not uncommon, and it usually occurs when the bleaching agents used in the whitening process penetrate the enamel and reach the tooth's nerve centre, known as the pulp.
The time it takes for the nerve to die can range from a few days to several weeks or even months. As the nerve begins to die, the pain may become less frequent but more throbbing.
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.
“Zingers” are short, shooting pains that some people experience after getting their teeth whitened. They mostly occur when drinking extremely cold or hot drinks. Avoiding foods and drinks with extreme temperatures for a few days after whitening treatment may help reduce the amount of zingers.
Does Sensodyne Help with Zingers? Yes, Sensodyne and other desensitizing toothpastes can be effective in managing post-whitening sensitivity, including zingers. These toothpastes work by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the tooth surface to the nerve.
Some people may have teeth that are sensitive to peroxide. Your teeth may start to ache during the whitening procedure, and you may feel discomfort when drinking or eating hot or cold products. This potential side effect of teeth whitening is usually short-term, and goes away with time.
Over the counter painkillers: If your teeth are sensitive, toothaches may be alleviated with pain medication such as Ibuprofen, which will help numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate's Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.
Fortunately, these zingers generally subside within a few hours post-treatment. If they continue for more than a day or two, it's advisable to consult your dentist to explore potential causes and remedies. In most cases, the sensitivity will diminish within a couple of days after the whitening process is concluded.
Swish salt water or peroxide – These rinses can relieve inflammation. Use an over-the-counter anesthetic – Stop by the pharmacy for a gel that you can apply straight to the teeth, or use clove oil for an all-natural remedy.
While traditional antibiotics have their place in modern medicine, nature offers a treasure trove of alternatives for those seeking natural remedies. Clove oil, turmeric, tea tree oil, and garlic are some of the most potent natural antibiotics for tooth infections.
Using a saltwater rinse can help heal gums and improve oral health in just a few days. Swish a mixture of water and salt for 15 to 30 seconds up to three times a day to cleanse your mouth, ward off infection, and relieve toothache pain.
Saliva is the Best Hydration
Since your teeth are slightly dehydrated after whitening, you may be inclined to drink lots of water. While drinking plenty of water is always a good idea, it won't necessarily rehydrate your teeth. The best way to rehydrate your teeth is by ensuring your mouth stays moist.
Tobacco products contain nicotine and tar, which easily mix with saliva and discolor the teeth. E-cigarettes and vaping can be more minor staining for your teeth after teeth whitening. However, they too are bad for your oral health and should be avoided as much as possible.
Use a mouthwash for sensitive teeth containing fluoride or potassium nitrate twice daily before bedtime. It will help to soothe the sensitive areas and provide relief from pain. Go for Colgate Plax Gentle Care Mouthwash that has all the right ingredients to avoid further irritation.
Brush off the stains with Baking Soda
It is an inexpensive and easy home remedy for teeth whitening. To use this home remedy: Add a few drops of water to baking soda until you form a paste. Apply the mixture to the toothbrush bristles and brush as usual for about two minutes.
Naturally antibacterial, white vinegar will help to demineralise or soften tartar if used once or twice daily as a mouthwash. Swish a mixture of 2 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and a pinch of salt around your mouth for a few minutes. Do this after or between brushing your teeth.