How long do teeth hurt after whitening?

Author: Arthur Maggio  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

You may experience sensitive teeth after whitening for around 24-48 hours. Fortunately, sensitivity rarely lasts longer than this.

How long does teeth pain from whitening last?

Answer: Tooth sensitivity after whitening is usually temporary and may last a few days to a couple of weeks. If it persists, professional evaluation is recommended.

How do you make teeth stop hurting after whitening?

How Do You Treat Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening?
  1. Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ...
  2. Ask your dentist about potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel. ...
  3. Try a desensitizing toothpaste. ...
  4. Switch to a soft-bristled brush. ...
  5. Avoid cold beverages—or drink through a straw.

How long does it take for teeth to settle after whitening?

Duration of Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening

For most patients, the sensitivity subsides within 24 to 48 hours after the teeth whitening procedure. However, in some cases, it may last up to a week. If you continue to experience sensitivity beyond a week, it's crucial to consult with your dentist.

How long do the zingers last after teeth whitening?

Tooth zingers typically 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. Within those two days, your teeth will rebuild the minerals that the hydrogen peroxide stripped and heal itself back to its normal, non-sensitive states.

5 Hacks To Whiten Teeth Without Pain | Whitening For People With Sensitive Teeth

How to rehydrate teeth after whitening?

Saliva is the Best Hydration

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. Your saliva contains the minerals your tooth enamel needs to resurface and restore itself after whitening.

How to relieve zingers?

“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.

How long do teeth pores stay open after whitening?

The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.

How can I speed up my teeth whitening?

The fastest and best way to whiten teeth at home is by using professional whitening gel trays. These custom trays offer the best results at a lower cost than professional treatments, with minimal risk of sensitivity or gum damage. They provide long-lasting and sustainable whitening effects when used correctly.

Do people notice white teeth?

Yes, people do notice white teeth, as they often have the effect of drawing attention and projecting a positive, healthy image. A beautiful smile with white teeth is a desirable physical trait and can greatly enhance one's overall attractiveness.

Why is teeth whitening so painful?

It's completely normal for patients to experience some levels of teeth sensitivity in the first 24 – 48 hours following the whitening treatment. This is to be expected as the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening treatment soaks through your tooth enamel, exposing the nerves in your dentine.

How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally?

It should be safe to resume your regular diet 48 hours after teeth whitening. Limiting your diet may seem like a daunting task. But this temporary sacrifice can help you achieve a brighter and whiter smile.

Does ibuprofen help teeth sensitivity?

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.

What helps sore teeth from whitening?

At-Home remedies for post whitening discomfort
  1. Apply Cold Compresses. A cold compress can provide immediate, temporary relief from pain and discomfort. ...
  2. Use Pain Relievers. ...
  3. Warm Saltwater Rinse. ...
  4. Avoid Trigger Foods and Beverages.

How long will my gums stay white after teeth whitening?

Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.

What are the zaps after teeth whitening?

In our experience, the most common concern people have with teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity and the infamous "zingers". 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.

Do teeth become weak after whitening?

Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.

Do crest white strips work?

While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!

How long does it take to whiten teeth completely?

Teeth whitening generally takes anywhere from four weeks to a year to achieve full results. Some factors that determine the length include: The extent of discoloration. Pre-existing damage and dental issues.

How long does it take for teeth to rehydrate after whitening?

How long does it take for teeth to rehydrate after whitening? Teeth typically rehydrate within 24 to 48 hours after whitening, though some individuals may take longer depending on their oral health and hydration levels.

Do teeth stain more easily after whitening?

However, it's important to understand that your teeth are especially susceptible to discoloration and staining immediately after teeth whitening. Thus, what you do after teeth whitening, especially in the first 48 hours after treatment, determines how well your results will last.

Why can't you drink water after teeth whitening?

Do not eat or drink anything except water for the first hour after the treatment because the gel opens the pores of the enamel and makes the teeth very vulnerable to staining agents. You can resume your everyday habits 24 hours after your treatment.

How much pain is normal after teeth whitening?

Unfortunately, while the results can be impressive, it's common for individuals to experience pain after teeth whitening treatments. This discomfort can range from mild sensitivity to more severe, throbbing pain, leaving many to wonder why their teeth are killing them after whitening.

When will my teeth stop being sensitive after whitening?

It is common to note sensitivity in the first few days of treatment, but this should subside as treatment progresses. You may experience sensitive teeth after whitening for around 24-48 hours. Fortunately, sensitivity rarely lasts longer than this.

Why do my teeth hurt so bad after whitening strips?

Teeth sensitivity happens because the tooth enamel becomes thinner and less protective after the whitening process. To reduce teeth sensitivity while using whitening strips, you must use a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash. You will also need to avoid acidic foods with high sugar content.

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