How to Avoid Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening (Part 1)

One side effect of whitening your teeth is sensitivity to hot and cold. This article explains what causes tooth sensitivity and how to prevent it.

Tooth whitening is probably the most common cosmetic treatment worldwide -- even more popular than Botox! This is likely because the effects of good tooth whitening products can last for several months to over a year, and the results bring about a positive change in appearance. Just whitening your teeth can make you look 10 years younger, and that can’t be said for many other therapies that are much more expensive. Even though tooth whitening in NYC is relatively safe, it isn’t 100% free of side effects. The most common side effect reported is tooth sensitivity. This is more often the result of misuse of the product, such as leaving the product on too long. Another cause of tooth sensitivity can be using too strong of a solution, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. Some teeth whitening solutions can also be abrasive to your gums, causing some bleeding or canker sores in the area.

Teeth Whitening Side Effects

In an unofficial survey conducted by one prominent tooth whitening company, it was found that a small percentage of users experienced some temporary side effects to the tooth whitening treatment. Because of the bleaching process, some chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide are used as the bleaching agent in most products. Many people do not have any reaction to this bleaching agent, especially if only used for a few hours at a time. Other people, for some reason or another, will have side effects to the hydrogen peroxide solution.

The most common side effect is sensitivity to hot or cold liquids, soups, or ice creams. Usually, the sensitivity is only temporary. In rare cases, the sensitivity may be permanent and special toothpastes may be required to alleviate symptoms.

The second most common side effect is canker sores or other abrasions in the mouth as a result of the chemicals used to bleach the teeth. Using a custom-fitted mouth tray made at your dentist’s office will usually prevent this side effect because the tray is less likely to rub the soft tissues of your mouth when it is made specifically for your mouth and isn’t a one-size-fits-all dental tray.

As long as you follow the directions precisely given to you by your dentist in New York or on the package insert of the product you choose to use, you can avoid most side effects. Overfilling a tooth whitening tray with the gel can be abrasive to your gums. You only want the gel to cover your teeth, and not your gum tissue. Usually, only a pea-sized amount of whitening gel is needed to cover each of your teeth. Leaving the gel on for longer than directed can also cause problems with tooth sensitivity and mouth sores.