Can Teeth Whitening Cause Dental Sensitivity?

Almost everyone has some flaw in their teeth that they’d like to fix. Many people deal with unsightly stains or discoloration due to genetics or habits like smoking or eating and drinking things that are high in dyes and pigments. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist are a great way to enjoy a whiter, brighter smile that you’d be eager to show off, but they can cause dental sensitivity in some cases. Here’s how to minimize the chances of that happening as well as how to manage it if it does.

How Do Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Work?

While you can find many teeth whitening products at the store, many of these deliver lackluster results due to poor quality and one-size-fits-all treatments. In the worst cases, they can cause the smile to become unevenly whitened or injuries to the gums and other soft tissues due to exposure to whitening agents. Luckily, your dentist can deliver teeth whitening treatments in the form of an in-office procedure that can be completed in about an hour or a customized take-home kit designed to be used over two weeks. These treatments can leave a smile up to ten shades whiter.

What Causes Dental Sensitivity During Teeth Whitening?

Some teeth whitening patients may experience dental sensitivity in response to the peroxide-based whitening agents used. The level of sensitivity depends on the formula, the dosage, and the patient’s oral health history. A patient with sensitive teeth may experience brief discomfort due to:

• Hot or cold air
• Cold drinks or foods
• Exposure to sweet, sour, or acidic foods or beverages
• Friction due to brushing your teeth

How Can Dental Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening Be Addressed?

Dental sensitivity doesn’t always happen after teeth whitening, and it can be expected to diminish over the days following treatment. If you have dental sensitivity, a great way to start reducing your discomfort is to avoid things that irritate your teeth like those listed above. However, other measures can be employed to prevent or reduce dental sensitivity. A few of these include:

• Using a whitening treatment with a lower concentration of whitening agent
• Applying less whitening agent to the dental tray
• Wait for a longer time between treatments
• Use desensitizing or nonabrasive toothpaste
• Request sensitivity treatments from your dental office

Teeth whitening can improve a patient’s confidence and help them make a great first impression. Consulting with your dentist can help determine the best ways to stay comfortable during and after treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Mark E. Gerome earned his dental doctorate from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1995 and has been selected as a Top Dentist by Cincinnati Magazine since 2012. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Cincinnati Dental Society. His office in Loveland, OH offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To learn more about what to expect during and after teeth whitening, contact his office online or dial (513) 677-1349.