Reason for Tooth Sensitivity after Whitening

Given the prevalence of the selfie in pop culture today, teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular. Some professional whitening treatments even have the power to whiten your teeth several shades in under an hour. While it is a popular procedure, a common complain that is heard is that teeth whitening causes tooth sensitivity afterwards. What exactly is the reason for this?

The answer is found in the active ingredient that is used in most teeth whitening treatments – peroxide. During the procedure, the peroxide will actually temporarily dehydrate your teeth. When the water is sucked out of your teeth, it tends to make them sensitive. This is a temporary occurrence, though, and the sensitivity from the treatment should dissipate shortly after the procedure.

If you already have sensitive teeth, there are some precautions that can be taken to minimize the sensitivity during and after treatment. Taking ibuprofen before the procedure can help. Additionally, some dentists may give patients with sensitive teeth trays filled with fluoride to wear before their treatment begins. There are also some whitening solutions that contain less peroxide, which may be appropriate for certain patients.

If you are looking to treat your discolored teeth with a whitening procedure, contact our teeth whitening doctor to schedule a consultation.