You may experience sensitive teeth after whitening for around 24-48 hours. Fortunately, sensitivity rarely lasts longer than this.
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.
Try a desensitizing toothpaste
If you have sensitivity before you start whitening, it is recommended to use a desensitizing toothpaste two weeks prior to your at-home whitening treatment, as well as continued use during and after whitening treatment.
These zingers may be felt in a single tooth or multiple teeth and should typically subside within 24-48 hours following the whitening procedure. Don't worry if you experience zingers, they're a normal part of the teeth-whitening process and will be gone before you know it!
As long as you stop the bleaching treatment quickly, the good news is that gum irritation usually resolves on its own after a few days. Saltwater rinses will help relieve discomfort during recovery. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can dull the irritation or burning feeling.
Tooth sensitivity and/or tooth pain – Some people may experience increased tooth sensitivity following the teeth whitening procedure, especially when eating or drinking things that are very hot or cold. Increased tooth sensitivity will usually subside after a few days.
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.
If you experience increased tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after these whitening methods, it might be because the products are overly abrasive or acidic, which wears away tooth enamel and irritates gums. 1 Meanwhile bleaching agents such as peroxide can irritate the nerves inside your teeth.
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.
You might be tempted to leave whitening strips on your teeth for a little longer, but this will increase the risk and severity of side effects like sensitivity and gum irritation. In some cases, overuse of whitening strips has even led to chemical burns on the gums.
Take pain medication – Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen prior to your teeth whitening procedure can help minimize sensitivity and discomfort. You can continue taking this medication after your treatment to manage any lingering sensitivity.
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.
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.
Defined as the temporary tooth sensitivity that can be triggered shortly after undergoing teeth whitening, zingers are those sharp shooting pains that extend outwards from your tooth to your gums. Because they often feel like quick “zaps” of pain, they've earned the nickname of zingers.
Brushing too soon could potentially damage this delicate layer and lead to tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. To strike a balance between these perspectives, dentists often recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after using whitening strips.
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.
Aftercare Post-48 Hours
Also, avoid acidic foods such as fermented items, vinegar, pickles, and citrus fruits. Although the pores should return to normal size after 48 hours, you can be cautious for a full week to make the most out of your teeth whitening treatment.
You may experience sensitive teeth after whitening for around 24-48 hours. Fortunately, sensitivity rarely lasts longer than this.
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.
If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!
First of all, don't worry! The white, patchy, streaky, or lined look of teeth after whitening is normal – it's called enamel demineralization.
Custom teeth whitening trays
Custom-fit trays prevent the whitening solution from spilling, which avoids gums and tongue irritation. Like other procedures that can whiten your teeth, it is also non-invasive, making it a better option for those with sensitive teeth.
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.
Recent dental procedures: People can get sensitive teeth after fillings, teeth cleanings and dental restoration placement. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary and usually disappears in four to six weeks.