Teeth Whitening & Sensitivity: Causes, Prevention & Relief

Whitening your teeth can improve the overall appearance of your smile. When you bleach your teeth, the pores of your teeth are opened and the surface is whitened. While the result may look nice, your teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold drinks and foods. Sensitivity following whitening is only a temporary side effect and goes away within a day or two. There are a few things dentists recommend you do prior to bleaching to reduce the sensitivity you experience following bleaching.

Things You'll Need

• Desensitizing toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Bleaching trays

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste. Dr. Dan Peterson with Family Gentle Dental in Nebraska recommends using a desensitizing toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. Continue doing this for three weeks prior to bleaching. Make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after each brushing.

• 2

  Put a small amount of desensitizing toothpaste inside your bleaching trays when you are not bleaching your teeth. This will help reduce sensitivity.

• 3

  Rinse your mouth and bleaching trays once the trays are removed. Avoid eating or drinking while wearing your bleaching trays.