Whitening Sensitivity: How Long It Lasts and What Helps

How long does whitening sensitivity last?

For most people it is short. The ADA’s review says that with whitening strips or tray-based treatments, sensitivity may develop within two to three days after you start the program and usually resolves by the fourth day after treatment. MouthHealthy from the ADA says that in most cases the sensitivity is temporary.

Your timeline can differ. It depends on the product, the strength, how often you use it, and your teeth. If sensitivity lingers or is severe, call your dentist. Do not keep bleaching through strong pain.

Keep a short note of when sensitivity starts and when it fades. Dates and product names help your dentist spot patterns and talk with you about the next step.

Why does whitening make teeth sensitive?

Whitening gels contain peroxide. MouthHealthy says the peroxide gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of the tooth. The ADA’s review adds that peroxides can readily permeate hard tooth tissue. Dentin has tiny channels that connect the surface to the nerve. When it is stirred up, heat, cold, and acidic or sticky foods can reach the nerve and trigger a quick zing. Our glossary explains tooth sensitivity.

The ADA’s review says transient mild to moderate sensitivity can occur in up to two-thirds of users in the early stages of bleaching. So if your teeth react, that is not rare.

What may help?

The ADA’s review also notes that researchers have studied other ways to prevent whitening sensitivity, such as using certain pain relievers or a gel with potassium nitrate and fluoride before treatment. It says more research is needed to confirm that these work. So ask your dentist before you try any of them. Do not add or change a medicine on your own.

Does the method change the risk?

The ADA’s review says the risk of temporary sensitivity is linked to all forms of bleaching, whether you buy the product over the counter or get it from a dentist. It adds that sensitivity can be more common with higher concentrations of the active agent, but is typically mild and short-lived.

The review lists other things that can shape how much sensitivity you feel: the strength of the peroxide, whether you have adhesive restorations such as bonded fillings, how long the product touches your teeth, and, for in-office treatments that use a light, how intense the light is and how long it is used. These are good topics to raise with your dentist before you pick a method.

MouthHealthy describes four paths: whitening toothpaste, in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching from your dentist, and over-the-counter products. It says over-the-counter products have a lower bleach concentration than what a dentist uses in the office. A lower strength is not a promise of no sensitivity, so ask your dentist what to expect.

What should you do while it lasts?

Small steps may keep you comfortable.

1. Stop the whitening product for now.
2. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Give it time, since it may take several uses.
3. Brush gently.
4. Keep brushing and flossing as usual.
5. Tell your dentist what product you used, how long you used it, and how often. A written note with dates helps the dentist see the pattern.
6. Wait until the sensitivity fades before you decide whether to try again, and ask your dentist about the next step.

If you take a pain reliever, follow the label and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medicine.

What if sensitivity does not go away?

Call your dentist. MouthHealthy lists several reasons teeth can be sensitive that have nothing to do with whitening, such as tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn enamel, and an exposed root. Whitening may have simply made an existing problem easier to feel. A dentist can check for these causes. Our sensitive teeth guide explains each of them.

Also call if your gums burn or swell. The ADA’s review says gum irritation can result from gel touching the gums, often from poorly fitting trays or improper use, and that it usually resolves shortly after treatment ends.

How can you lower the odds next time?

• See a dentist before you start. Our post on whether whitening hurts enamel covers the risks of overuse.
• Choose one method at a time, and follow the directions on the label or from your dentist.
• Ask about custom trays from your dentist. MouthHealthy says a custom tray lets you whiten at your own pace with a dentist’s guidance.
• Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on over-the-counter products, as MouthHealthy suggests.
• Space out treatments. Ask your dentist how often is right for you.

See our teeth whitening guide for a full overview of options.

Next step

Learn about teeth whitening at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment if you want to whiten or if sensitivity is bothering you.