As with any teeth whitening system that contains peroxide, teeth/gum sensitivity may temporarily develop when using
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.
Tooth sensitivity after whitening is usually caused by irritation of your tooth's nerve (pulp) after being exposed to peroxide — a common ingredient in whitening products. Tooth sensitivity and gum pain after whitening should only last a few days.
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.
Saliva is the Best Hydration
Your saliva contains the minerals your tooth enamel needs to resurface and restore itself after whitening. Avoid smoking, extreme exercise, excess caffeine, mouth rinses with alcohol in them, and any other foods or activities that will leave your mouth dry.
The irritation causes swelling of the tissue around the teeth, which causes discomfort and pain in some people. Stop using the whitening strips immediately if you experience any sensitivity or soreness after using them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can swallow your saliva while using whitening strips, as most bleaching agents in the strips are safe for oral use and ingestion in small amounts. But you do not need to swallow excessive amounts of saliva while using the strips.
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.
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.
The strips are applied to upper and lower teeth, once a day, for up to 30 minutes. Depending on the specific Crest 3D White Whitestrips product chosen, strips should be applied daily for anywhere from 10 to 20 consecutive days.
Does tooth enamel grow back? No, if your enamel is completely gone, you can't bring it back. But your dentist can place a dental crown over your tooth to protect it from further damage.
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.
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.
Rinsing with Water: After using whitening strips, rinsing your mouth with water is an effective way to remove any remaining gel or residue. Swishing water around your mouth helps to wash away the whitening solution without the need for immediate brushing.
Most People Can Whiten Their Teeth Once a Year
Dentists monitor the risks and only recommend whitening to eligible candidates. Most people can get a full bleaching system every 12-18 months with touch-ups throughout the year.
Sensitivity usually lasts around 2 to 7 days after you've used the whitening strips. However, if the discomfort sticks around for longer than a week or starts to feel even worse, it's definitely time to reach out to the Charlotte dentist in SouthPark and schedule an appointment.
Rinse with a Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride rinses help remineralize teeth and promote rehydration. As a bonus, fluoride mouthwash can help reduce the tooth sensitivity that sometimes happens after whitening, as well as keep your teeth white for longer.
In cases when sensitivity occurs, it typically results from whitening treatment removing microscopic amounts of mineral from your enamel. This can make your teeth more porous and expose the dentinal tubules in the second layer of your teeth, also known as dentin.
Stay Away from Hot and Cold Beverages: Extreme temperatures can exacerbate tooth sensitivity, especially after teeth whitening. Avoid consuming hot and cold beverages immediately after whitening to prevent discomfort and potential damage to the enamel.
Avoid sugary varieties, such as flavoured yoghurts or ice cream, when consuming dairy products for whitening teeth. This is because sugar can interact with bacteria in the mouth to create acidic conditions that can damage the enamel.
Dehydrated teeth appear white and chalky. You'll notice this more if you're a mouth breather or have a cold. It's why you may get a white spot on a tooth overnight.