Fact Checked

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

Written by Fernanda Elizalde

November 03, 2022

Medically Reviewed

By Dr. Greg Grillo, DDS

Sensitive teeth are frequently caused by receding gums, gingivitis, or damaged teeth, even occasionally from using a teeth whitening product. This complicates teeth whitening, so it's a good idea to visit your dentist's office before beginning any whitening treatment.

Because your dentist is the most knowledgeable about you and your dental history, they can work with you to build the most effective and pleasant methods for whitening sensitive teeth when the time comes while helping decrease tooth sensitivity.

Snow teeth whitening kit

Tooth sensitivity

Sensitive teeth and poor gum health cause pain in one or more teeth. The discomfort begins when your teeth are exposed to an irritant, such as eating or drinking anything extremely hot or cold. Sweets, cold air, broken teeth, and alcohol-containing mouthwashes can cause teeth sensitivity issues, as can cleaning or flossing teeth. This is why it is essential to prevent tooth sensitivity in the first place.

Dentin sensitivity, also known as tooth sensitivity, can be short-lived or long-lasting. Your teeth sensitivity might affect a single tooth, a group of teeth, or even all of your teeth.

Various circumstances cause sensitive teeth. Some unlucky people are more prone to tooth sensitivity because their tooth enamel, the protective outer covering of the tooth, is thinner. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by activities such as cleaning your teeth with too much force or using a hard bristle toothbrush, grinding your teeth while sleeping, and routinely drinking acidic meals and drinks.

Sensitive teeth after teeth whitening

You may suffer increased sensitivity following a teeth whitening procedure if your teeth are generally sensitive to hot and cold meals and beverages due to weak enamel, gum disease, or tooth decay.

Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, in the form of whitening gel or other whitening agents, comes into direct contact with your teeth during dental bleaching agents’ use. These peroxide solutions enter the tooth structure, breaking down and removing stains in the dentin.

Many patients will have whitening agents sensitivity during this procedure, which is just transitory and should disappear within a few days. This teeth sensitivity does not necessarily indicate that you have poor oral health.

In reality, the causes of dental problems with teeth whitening in patients are yet unknown. However, it is thought that the deep penetration of reactive free radicals created by peroxide into the tooth pulp may cause a slight chemical burn and, in turn, make your teeth sensitive. Furthermore, using light sources like a blue LED light in whitening treatments increases pulp temperature, creating additional pain after the process.

Sensitivity of the dentin after whitening

Dentin sensitivity is another type of tooth sensitivity. This is a permanent issue, as opposed to teeth sensitivity from whitening, and occurs when something comes into touch with portions of your teeth with exposed dentin.

When the enamel is weak or your dentin is exposed, the bleaching solution's hydrogen peroxide penetrates your dentin, producing pain, discomfort, and sensitivity. You may suffer increased sensitivity after using a teeth whitening product such as whitening strips or other professional whitening treatment if your teeth are usually abnormally sensitive to cold or hot meals and beverages due to weak enamel.

Snow Magic Strips

Is whitening sensitive teeth possible?

There is certainly hope for folks with sensitive teeth who want a stunning white smile.

While your path to the ideal smile may be more complicated than others, whitening procedures for teeth sensitive to whitening can be painless and successful, provided the proper protocol is followed.

If you are sensitive to most teeth whitening products, using some at-home teeth whiteners may cause temporary discomfort. Everyone has unique teeth and gums.

Although the discomfort induced by various home teeth whiteners is typically modest and transient, it becomes too much for some people. In these cases, it interferes with daily activities such as eating and drinking.

However, this is not a health concern. While some individuals suffer brief discomfort after using home teeth whitening products, most people do not find it bad enough to stop using them.

If you have discovered that your teeth are sensitive to whitening, a solution is designed just for you.

Whitening sensitive teeth at home

Many at home products are an excellent choice for individuals who have a sensitive smile to whitening products but still want the convenience and efficiency of a home teeth whitener.

Those with sensitive teeth should opt for whitening treatments that don't require a significant application time. Some solutions, such as extra whitening toothpaste, are a less concentrated formula than what you get at the dentist. They can help reduce sensitivity and take only two to three minutes daily to give yourself a whiter smile.

Whitening toothpaste is mainly intended for persons with sensitivity to teeth whitening. It contains the same substance that dentists use in a less intense version. Brush your teeth with toothpaste to reduce sensitivity for best results.

Snow whitening products

The Snow teeth whitening kit is formulated to be gentle on enamel for those with sensitive teeth and gums. This kit includes an LED light and some extra-strength whitening solution contain both carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

Snow also offers teeth whitening strips known as The Magic Strips. These whitening strips disintegrate on your teeth in 15 minutes and do not leave a mushy mess like other strips.

They also have a fantastic lavender mint taste and the opportunity to subscribe for automatic re-ups.

Snow addresses sensitive teeth through its whitening products in a few ways:

Brush-on applicator:

The brush applicators brush a little amount of gel straight onto your teeth. This ensures that the gel goes where you need it, rather than all over your gums.

Sensitive Whitening Wand:

Snow's gentle, sensitive whitening wand can whiten sensitive teeth, using the same component others use to whiten teeth in a less intense version than many other whitening products. If you're worried about sensitivity, you may include this wand in your Snow order. This formula helps against sensitivity-causing substances and aids in the removal of future intrinsic and surface stains.

The suggested use time for the Sensitive Whitening Wand is under 30 minutes daily. Even people with sensitive teeth may improve dramatically and enjoy a whiter, brighter smile.

It's a less concentrated formula plus added ingredients reduce tooth and gum sensitivity towards cold, heat, acid, and sweets.

This addition is mainly intended for persons with sensitive teeth to whiten. It contains the same substance that dentists use in a less intense version.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does discomfort linger after teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening sensitivity often lasts up to 48 hours following the application. To alleviate problems, use a toothpaste that reduces sensitivity. To alleviate post-bleaching discomfort, your dentist may recommend a preventative approach or prescribe a toothpaste or medicine.

Can I get my teeth whitened if they are sensitive?

If you have sensitive teeth, you may get them whitened, but you should opt for solutions specifically for tooth sensitivity. Some at-home kits include desensitizing serums, and others have more gentle formulas.

Why are my teeth so sensitive to bleaching?

Because most whitening methods employ peroxide as a bleaching ingredient, your teeth may be sensitive. It's unclear why peroxide might induce pain, discomfort, and sensitivity. If this concerns you, you may try one of the whitening solutions mentioned above or opt for a non-peroxide alternative.

Can lemon peel oil and coconut oil help?

Lemons have a high acid content in their peel, which makes them a whitener, but the high acid content makes it a long-term danger with more problems than it solves, so acidic solutions are not recommended.

Coconut oil does not whiten teeth on its own. It can, however, briefly make them look brighter. With that in mind, it's acceptable to incorporate coconut oil into your dental care routine as long as you're not sensitive to the substance.

What about dead sea salt?

There is no scientific evidence that cleaning your teeth with salt whitens them.

Summary

You may desire to have whiter teeth but are apprehensive due to sensitivity concerns. If this is the case, several alternatives available to you are designed to give those who have tooth sensitivity a nicer smile. Looks for sensitive teeth whitening products to prevent any pain or discomfort.

In this post, we looked at solutions that we believe are among the finest teeth whitening for sensitive teeth. It would help if you gave them a go to see whether they work for you.

However, remember that a healthy smile may come in various colors; your teeth don't have to have a perfect white to be in good condition. You may have a beautiful smile as long as you brush daily, floss once a day, and see your dentist at least once a year.