This is usually due to the bleaching agents used to whiten the teeth. These agents can cause the nerve endings in the teeth to become irritated, leading to pain and discomfort. However, this side effect is usually temporary and should go away within a few days.
Teeth whitening may cause mild tooth pain, sensitivity, and gingival irritation. But there are ways to find relief. Tooth sensitivity and gum pain after whitening should only last a few days. If your pain is severe and long lasting, let your dental provider know right away.
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.
Teeth Whitening Treatments and Dentin Hypersensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, affects the entire tooth and any exposed root surfaces. It occurs when the active ingredients in whitening products, such as a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, reach the nerves within each tooth.
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.
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”
However, teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity as a result of the bleaching agents wearing away your enamel, leaving the whitening treatment on for too long too often, or due to increased pressure on your tooth's pulp.
Beverages like coffee, tea, and wine along with foods like berries and soy sauce all stain the enamel of your teeth, and these stains can return after a teeth whitening. As well as reducing your intake of these foods and drinks, try to improve your diet as a whole.
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
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.
Tooth sensitivity can occur during and after professional whitening treatments, when the bleaching agents are believed to penetrate the tooth, though the sensitivity is often temporary. Sensodyne toothpastes can help alleviate sensitivity following tooth-whitening treatments.
One of the side effects you may have heard from others who have whitened their teeth is that sensitivity may occur. This may feel like general sensitivity to hot or cold, or it may involve sudden "zingers," somewhat like shooting sensations of discomfort. This need not keep you from getting the dazzling smile you want.
The white patchy, streaky, or lined look of teeth after whitening is normal. This happen because the whitening gel that is used to professionally whiten your teeth (in-office treatment), is quite powerful and contains hydrogen peroxide. This will dehydrate your tooth enamel, causing it to exhibit bright white patches.
It's been highly reviewed and contains xylitol. If you have sensitive teeth and are looking to achieve a whiter smile, I would recommend Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste as it contains Potassium Nitrate which helps relieve sensitivity fast and usually has an effect that lasts 24 hours.
In the days following your teeth whitening treatment, you'll want to avoid colored dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Blue, red, orange, and purple colors can re-stain your teeth faster than products that are white or light in color.
It's best to use a toothpaste that is specifically designed for whitening, as these have special ingredients that can help maintain your newly whitened teeth. Avoid coloured toothpastes, such as red or blue, as these may stain your teeth.
There are other tips and tricks to help you reduce discoloration and enjoy your bright, white smile for longer. Our team recommends that patients: Drink coffee through a straw.
Citrus fruits and juices are also acidic and can damage the enamel on your teeth, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation. And while water is always the best choice for quenching your thirst, be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after whitening before drinking it.
The results happen nearly immediately after the hour and a half long treatment. The patient will see that the teeth have become brighter. However, the patient might need to have a couple of sessions to get the desired results. The treatment used will determine how long the effects last.
Take a look at Steve Buscemi's smile if you don't believe us. So, how do the vast majority of celebs, from Matt Damon to Emma Watson, achieve such perfect teeth? One word: veneers. Cosmetic dentistry (veneers and no-prep veneers in particular) is the only sure-fire way to get a Hollywood-level smile.
Teeth whitening treatments are not permanent, and the whiteness remains with you as long as you care for your teeth appropriately. The whitening treatment requires you to limit having or avoid staining foods and beverages, quit smoking and maintain excellent dental hygiene.
Whitening yellowing teeth can be achieved through the use of bleaching trays or whitening toothpaste. Most whitening toothpaste brands have low-concentration bleach in them. This approach can work but takes an extended period of time to show a change in the color of your teeth.
While most teeth whitening commercials feature younger people, most seniors are left to wonder if they, too, can achieve a brighter smile. You'll be happy to know that teeth whitening can be just as effective for our older loved ones.