When you get your teeth whitened, it can expose the nerves inside your teeth to heat, cold, acidity, and irritating substances in food. Your teeth may become shockingly sensitive, at least for a few days. You might experience a sharp pain after drinking something cold, even if you don’t normally have sensitive teeth.
The time teeth sensitivity lasts after whitening can vary widely depending on the individual and the treatment method used. Some people may experience sensitivity for just a few hours after whitening, while others may have a sensitivity that lasts for several days or longer.
To help alleviate sensitivity, avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks is generally recommended as using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. It is also a good idea to brush and floss gently to avoid irritating the teeth. If the sensitivity persists or is severe, it is a good idea to consult a dental professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Sometimes, tooth sensitivity after whitening is a minor side effect you won’t worry about. It is no big deal if you only have to avoid very cold drinks for a few days.
However, sometimes the sensitivity can be painful or last longer than the usual two days. Thankfully, there are ways to soothe your teeth if they become sensitive. You can even prepare your teeth for whitening to avoid long-lasting sensitivity.
How Long Does Teeth Sensitivity Last After Whitening?
Usually, it only lasts for a few days. Some tooth sensitivity is common – you might as well expect it. However, it usually lasts for only 24 or 48 hours. Tooth whitening is not supposed to injure your teeth/gums. There is not supposed to be any long-lasting pain or discomfort.
Long-lasting tooth sensitivity or pain is uncommon but possible. Fairly harsh chemicals are used to bleach your teeth, and there is a chance that your teeth won’t recover quickly. If the sensitivity lasts more than a few days, talk to your dentist, who might prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help you.
How To Avoid Pain
The simplest thing you can do is avoid very hot and very cold beverages. Normally, your teeth can protect the internal nerves from heat and cold to some extent, but the nerves become vulnerable after whitening. Drink room temperature, warm or cold drinks for a few days or longer if the sensitivity persists.
Gentle brushing can also help. Many brushes are harder than necessary, even when their teeth are not sensitive. If you brush sensitive, irritated teeth and gums, you will make the problem worse.
You can also make your teeth feel better by treating them with fluoride. Fluoride can prevent tooth pain by preventing the nerves from sending pain signals. Potassium nitrate is another chemical that can prevent tooth pain.
You might also use pain medication to deal with tooth sensitivity. For ordinary, short-lasting sensitivity, over-the-counter medication might be enough. If much longer-lasting sensitivity occurs, you might need prescription pain medication that lowers inflammation.
What Pain Medications are Effective?
The best pain medication for any tooth pain might be ibuprofen. Ibuprofen (sold as Motrin or Advil) is anti-inflammatory to soothe teeth and gums harmed by strong whitening chemicals. Ibuprofen is not safe for everyone, so look through the warnings before you try it.
Tylenol is another great common medication. If you are not the sort of person that should be taking Motrin/Advil, you can use Tylenol instead. It doesn’t reduce inflammation, but many still find it works for dental pain.
Aspirin is another good choice. Asprin is a wonder drug – cheap, reasonably safe, and effective. It can reduce pain, inflammation, and more.
You Can Prepare Your Teeth In Advance
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth is effective. It would be best if you used it for a week or two before you get your teeth whitened. This will numb your teeth before the whitening treatment, so you might not experience discomfort.
If you are using desensitizing gels, you should start using them before the treatment. You can also avoid pain by keeping your teeth healthy. To fill cavities, you should get that done before whitening your teeth. Whitening treatment is less likely to have side effects if you have healthy teeth.
