The irritation causes swelling of the tissue around the teeth, which causes discomfort and pain in some people. Stop using the
If you tend to have teeth sensitive to whitening, talk with your dentist about the options available to you. If you try a product and experience painful sensitivity, stop using it immediately and consult with a dental professional.
If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity while you're whitening your teeth at home, you should stop treatment and contact your dental professional.
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can help relieve pain and sensitivity associated with tooth whitening. Some people prefer not to take ibuprofen due to possible side effects.
A Cochrane study found that gum irritation is one of two common problems when using teeth whiteners with a higher concentration of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. (Tooth sensitivity is the other problem.) Though, if used correctly, the irritation is temporary and mild.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As mentioned by the British Dental Association, gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are the two common side effects when using peroxide-based teeth whiteners. Besides feeling a chemical burn, you may also notice inflammation or white spots on gums during the whitening process.
Sensitivity is caused by the hydrogen peroxide gel penetrating the enamel and dentin of the teeth, reaching the nerve endings in the pulp. The sensitivity usually lasts for a few days after the treatment. It can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and desensitizing toothpaste.
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.
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.
First of all, don't worry! The white, patchy, streaky, or lined look of teeth after whitening is normal – it's called enamel demineralization.
No treatment can whiten teeth overnight, but some options are faster than others. Natural or over-the-counter treatment may take longer than treatments at the dentist's office. Even in the latter case, whitening is likely to require several treatment sessions of several hours each.
Do not touch your gums with the whitening strips. The whitening agent in whitening strips can be harmful to your gums. Particularly, this agent can damage the soft tissue in your gums, which can lead to a wide array of oral health issues down the road.
If your whitening trays are not well sealed, then saliva may be able to get into the trays. If this happens, there is an enzyme in the saliva which will neutralise the peroxide in the gel and render it useless, so your teeth will not whiten.
Yes, it is recommended to rinse your mouth after whitening strips to remove any excess whitening gel that may have remained on your teeth. Be sure to use lukewarm water and rinse for at least 30 seconds.
Taking pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), can help reduce or prevent symptoms if you take it before applying the whitening product. Use a product with less peroxide. While you may think that a higher level of peroxide might give you a better result, it's not worth it if you have pain.
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.
Some people may experience tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort when using this or other whitening products. If significant tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort develops, try using the strips every other day. If the problem persists, discontinue use.