Dealing With Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening

Posted on: 6 November 2018

A professional teeth whitening treatment can give you the bright smile you've always dreamed about having. However, you may likely experience some sensitivity afterwards. It's a perfectly normal side effect and should subside within a day or two. If you do feel discomfort, there are several ways to make yourself feel better.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Beverages 

After a teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will be extremely sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. If you drink a cup of coffee or eat some ice cream, you may feel a sharp pain in your mouth. To avoid unnecessary discomfort, try to avoid foods and beverages with extreme temperatures for at least a couple of days.

In addition, try to avoid acidic foods and beverages, like pickles and oranges, as they can irritate your mouth.

Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste

It is a good idea to brush your teeth with a desensitizing toothpaste for at least a couple of days after your whitening treatment. This toothpaste contains more fluoride than regular toothpaste and may help you feel better. Ask your dentist to provide you with this toothpaste after your treatment.

Be Gentle When Brushing Your Teeth

Regular brushing is important for maintaining your whitening results. However, you should be extremely gentle after you have had a whitening treatment. Brush your teeth extra carefully with a soft bristle toothbrush and use lukewarm water instead of cold. If using a toothbrush is still too painful, you can always put some toothpaste on a cotton ball and gently pat your teeth with it.

Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

If you are feeling a lot of discomfort after your teeth whitening treatment, you should take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These pain medications work by reducing inflammation throughout your body, ultimately relieving your discomfort.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

After a teeth whitening treatment, it is beneficial to chew sugar-free gum. Chewing this gum promotes saliva flow in your mouth, which can help reduce some of the sensitivity you feel. Continue to chew sugar-free gum until your sensitivity subsides.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to find relief from sensitivity. However, if you are still experiencing sensitivity after a couple of days, you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. He or she can determine if an underlying issue, like gum disease, is causing your sensitivity or not.

Share