Most people who have their teeth whitened will experience some minor sensitivity for a few days after their treatment. This is normal, and usually begins to fade quite quickly. The exact cause of teeth sensitivity after whitening is not known, but most dental professionals suspect it has to do with “dentinal microtubules.”
These are small structures in the teeth that connect the nerve pulp inside your tooth to the outer enamel. The outer layers of your teeth don’t have nerves, so these little tubes are what let you “feel” what you’re chewing and biting.
When you get teeth whitening, the peroxides used to bleach your teeth also weaken your outer enamel slightly. This is thought to expose the dentinal microtubules, which leads to much more sensitive teeth.
But as long as you keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste after treatment, the fluoride will attract minerals back to your enamel and strengthen it, covering up these microtubules and eliminating excessive sensitivity.
How to get rid of it?
Whatever the reason for sensitive teeth after whitening may be, there are several steps that you can take to get rid of it and protect yourself from further irritation. However, if you experience any pain or discomfort that lasts for more than a few days, be sure to consult your dentist.
When you get back from your whitening appointment, it is important to be gentle when brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water so as not to irritate sensitive gums or cause damage that could lead to more serious complications like dental caries infection. Use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth twice a day after brushing to help promote re-mineralization.
Consult a dentist if the sensitivity persists
Sensitive teeth are a relatively common side effect of whitening treatments. It is important to speak with your dentist about how you can manage this, so it does not continue to affect your oral health and disrupt your daily life.
Use a mouthwash for sensitive teeth containing fluoride or potassium nitrate twice daily before bedtime. It will help to soothe the sensitive areas and provide relief from pain.
Consult a dentist if the sensitivity persists
Sensitive teeth are a relatively common side effect of whitening treatments. It is important to speak with your dentist about how you can manage this, so it does not continue to affect your oral health and disrupt your daily life.