Why are my teeth so gritty after whitening?

Author: Dr. Markus Bogan V  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Dehydration of the enamel: During the whitening process, the whitening gel or peroxide treatment penetrates the enamel to remove stains. This process temporarily dehydrates the enamel, leaving it feeling rough.

How do you get rid of gritty teeth?

When you follow these easy steps, your smile should feel smooth and clean once more.
  1. Eat Crunchy Fruits or Vegetables. Crunchy, fibre-rich foods have a rough surface that scrapes away at the bacteria on your teeth. ...
  2. Sip Water Throughout the Day. ...
  3. Brush 30 Minutes After Eating. ...
  4. Don't Forget to Floss.

How do you restore enamel after whitening teeth?

Fluoride treatments.

Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride works to restore minerals onto the tooth's surfaces after dental procedures like tooth whitening. This treatment helps with preventing future re-staining and long-term tooth sensitivity.

What does it mean if your teeth feel grainy?

Sometimes that could be due to tartar buildup. But often, rough teeth usually mean there's an issue with your enamel health and how it may be eroding.

How long do teeth take to rehydrate after whitening?

After your procedure, your teeth will naturally rehydrate themselves in two to seven days. However, there are things you can do to help your teeth during this time. Drink plenty of water – water naturally hydrates every part of your body, including your teeth.

How To Prevent Sensitive Teeth After Whitening

Why do my teeth feel gritty after whitening?

Dehydration of the enamel: During the whitening process, the whitening gel or peroxide treatment penetrates the enamel to remove stains. This process temporarily dehydrates the enamel, leaving it feeling rough.

How to remineralize teeth after whitening?

Here are some things you should do:
  1. Brush Twice a Day and Floss Regularly. ...
  2. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks. ...
  3. Drink Lots of Water. ...
  4. Use Remineralizing Gel or Mouthwash. ...
  5. Avoid Tobacco Products. ...
  6. Avoid Hot or Cold Beverages for 24.

Why are my teeth crunching like sand?

Finding grit in your mouth is a common sign of tooth damage from bruxism. As you are clenching and grinding your teeth, you are breaking off small pieces of enamel, which is a natural glass. It feels like sand in your mouth.

Why do my teeth feel rough after cleaning?

You may notice the teeth feel 'sharp' after cleaning. This usually is because the tongue has been accustomed to the feeling of the plaque or tartar filling the gaps between the teeth.

How do I get rid of the gritty feeling in my mouth?

You could try a gentle rinse such as Spry, which contains Xylitol and helps promote oral healing. Easier yet is using a warm, mild salt water rinse several times a day. There are specific bacteria that are normal to our mouths and if it is killed off it changes the flora of the mouth.

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.

How long do teeth pores stay open after whitening?

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.

Does Pronamel actually work?

While any toothpaste containing fluoride helps prevent this erosion, Intensive Enamel Repair, Pronamel's most advanced enamel care formulation, is proven to help actively repair acid-weakened enamel and protect teeth from future acid erosion.

Why do my teeth feel like sand?

Plaque and tartar are the most common causes for your teeth feeling rough to the touch. While plaque can normally be dealt with by brushing alone, tartar will need the help of a dentist to get rid of as it is a hardened build-up of plaque. Tartar can lead to gum disease as well as tooth decay.

Why do my teeth grit?

It usually happens subconsciously, either during waking hours or when you're asleep. Causes include stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and certain medications. Most people who grind their teeth can ease symptoms with a custom mouth guard.

How to build enamel back?

While enamel doesn't regenerate, we can take steps to prevent further erosion:
  1. Fluoride Toothpaste: Regular use of fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel.
  2. Dietary Adjustments: Cut down on sugary, acidic, and starchy foods.
  3. Saliva Support: Stay hydrated to maintain healthy saliva production.

Why do my teeth feel rough after whitening?

If your teeth feel rough after getting them whitened, try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash. You can also consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help relieve any discomfort. Talk to your dentist if it persists.

Why do my teeth feel grainy?

However, what does it mean if you have rough and grainy teeth? Most of the time, it could be just tartar buildup. But in some cases, rough teeth could mean there's an issue with the enamel in your teeth.

How to fix thin enamel on front teeth?

Dental bonding involves applying a dental resin to the tooth surface to protect damaged areas and restore the intact surface. Enamel damage is usually experienced on the front of your teeth. If the outward-facing area of your teeth has experienced a serious degree of damage, porcelain veneers can replace the enamel.

What causes grit on teeth?

What causes plaque on teeth? Tooth plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods like milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta and fruit.

Why is my tooth filling gritty?

Over time, dental fillings start to wear down, which can leave the surface area of your teeth feeling gritty or like something hard is stuck in your teeth.

Can rough teeth be smoothed?

You can get rough teeth edges smooth with a procedure called enameloplasty. It is also referred to as cosmetic contouring or teeth filing. A cosmetic dentist can reshape your tooth enamel and polish your teeth afterward.

How to quickly remineralize teeth?

Eat foods high in calcium and phosphate, such as leafy greens, dairy products, and nuts. Regular brushing and flossing will help you maintain good dental hygiene. Consider utilizing xylitol products to promote saliva production, which helps with remineralization.

How long does it take for enamel to heal after whitening?

The recovery timeline

The natural process of remineralizing the teeth can take anywhere from 24-72 hours, depending on overall oral health and the type of whitening treatment used. Patients should take extra care to follow these rules during the first two or three days after a whitening treatment.

How to rehydrate your teeth after bleaching?

How To Rehydrate Teeth After Whitening
  1. Chew sugar-free gum that won't cause tooth decay.
  2. Stop all tobacco use.
  3. Limit your caffeine intake.
  4. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks.
  5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  6. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.

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