When whitening treatments cause sensitivity, it is because of the bleaching agent in the treatment. All forms of tooth bleaching may cause inflammation to the pulp, which results from exposure to peroxide.
Most whitening strips use peroxide to achieve their aim, which can irritate the tooth nerve and cause pain or sensitivity in some people, according to VeryWell Health.
The reason for this discomfort is that the bleaching agent, whether it be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, causes a chemical reaction on the tooth surface. This, in turn, increases the porosity of the enamel and makes it more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.
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.
Zingers are sudden quick pains that can occur in the teeth after Zoom teeth whitening. It is caused by the gel penetrating the enamel and dentin of the teeth and lifting the stains on the teeth. A side effect of that being that some of the film on the enamel can be thinned causing increased sensitivity.
Steps to Take after Your Teeth Whitening Treatment
Avoid hot and cold foods and drinks – Your teeth will be most sensitive during the first 1-2 days after your treatment. Make sure to avoid foods and beverages that are either very hot or very cold during this time. Instead, choose room temperature foods and drinks.
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.
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.
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 strips can cause side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. However, sensitivity is less likely to occur with at-home bleaching than it is with in-office procedures. As whitening strips use bleaching agents to achieve their effects, the overuse of these products can damage the 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.
SensiKIN Gel. SensiKIN Gel is specially formulated to relieve tooth sensitivity, especially in cases where it can potentially make brushing difficult. Its formula includes potassium nitrate, which desensitises the nerves of the dental pulp to calm hypersensitivity.
If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity while you're whitening your teeth at home, you should stop treatment and contact your dental professional.
Whitening strips use an active ingredient that's usually hydrogen peroxide or some sort of bleach. These ingredients are effective at removing surface stains from teeth. Patients will apply sticky strips coated with the active ingredient to their upper and lower teeth for a predetermined amount of time.
The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.
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.
Instead of immediately brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after removing the strips. This helps remove any residual gel left on your teeth while also allowing time for your saliva to neutralize and remineralize your tooth enamel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MS “zingers” refer to neuropathic sensations, such as pain or pins and needles, caused by multiple sclerosis-related damage. Treatment can involve medical treatment and avoiding triggers. Do you ever feel sharp, prickling, radiating pain that seems to come out of nowhere?
By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate's Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.