You’ve just peeled off the whitening strips, ready to flash that radiant smile, but instead – ouch! Instead of admiring pearly whites, you’re left wondering – why do my teeth hurt after whitening strips? Why is everything feeling extra sensitive all of a sudden? Let’s break it down and share some expert tips on how you can calm your teeth down.
Bottom Line – Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Using Whitening Strips?
You might feel discomfort after this at-home teeth whitening method for several reasons. Most notably, high concentrations of peroxide in the strips can increase sensitivity, especially if they’re used incorrectly or left on for too long. Also, you need to know exactly how often you can whiten teeth with them, as overuse is another common culprit behind the sensitivity.
How Do Whitening Strips Work Exactly?
Whitening strips are made of thin plastic that’s coated with a gel containing active ingredients that work to brighten your smile, such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. They’re simple to use – just place one strip on the top and another on the bottom, letting the peroxide get into the enamel and removing surface stains.
But here’s the thing – these strips only work on light stains, like those from drinking coffee or certain foods. If a tooth discoloration is deeper, they won’t do the trick. In that case, professional cosmetic treatments and advanced laser dentistry are much better options for noticeable results.
Are Whitening Strips Bad for the Teeth?
At-home teeth whitening remedies have seriously blown up in recent years. According to Statista, about 35 million Americans give some type of whitener a try each year!
Take a stroll through the local beauty store or pharmacy, and you’ll be bombarded with options – some look legit, while others seem way too good (or cheap) to be true. You might find yourself asking – is this even a good idea?
Well, the answer to this question is pretty lackluster – it all depends on the exact product. Whitening strips can be super convenient and effective, but you’ve got to be diligent with the guidelines and make sure not to overuse them.
If things don’t feel right, it’s best to stop and check in with the Charlotte, NC, dentist for advice. They’ll help you find the safest path to healthy teeth and a brighter smile!
Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening Strips?
So, you thought you picked up a great whitening product. But now, after just one session, your teeth are feeling… weird. You’re left wondering – why do whitening strips hurt my teeth? Well, there are actually a few reasons why this could be happening, and most commonly, it’s a combination of the following factors:
- Strength of the whitening agent – The amount of peroxide plays a big role in how sensitive your teeth feel afterward,
- Incorrect use – If the strips aren’t applied properly or are left on too long, they can cause discomfort,
- Using too often – Applying strips more frequently than recommended can increase the chances of teeth becoming extra sensitive,
- Existing dental problems – If you already have issues like sensitive teeth or weakened enamel, you’re more likely to feel discomfort after using these strips.
How Long Will My Teeth Hurt After Whitening?
Sensitivity usually lasts around 2 to 7 days after you’ve used the whitening strips. However, if the discomfort sticks around for longer than a week or starts to feel even worse, it’s definitely time to reach out to the Charlotte dentist in SouthPark and schedule an appointment.
How to Relieve Sensitivity After Whitening
People fear the prospect of unbearable pain after teeth whitening. However, the good news is that most of the time, whitening strips cause nothing more than mild sensitivity.
But let’s be real – you deserve to feel great, and while it’s usually manageable, knowing how to ease discomfort will keep your smile – and mood – bright. So, here’s how to make sure you stay comfortable, no matter what:
- Pick products with lower peroxide concentrations and shorter application times,
- Give your teeth some breathing room by spacing out whitening sessions,
- Keep up with a gentle brushing routine and daily flossing,
- Add desensitizing toothpaste to the oral hygiene routine,
- Steer clear of super hot, cold, or acidic foods to prevent extra sensitivity while your teeth recover.
Aspire Dental Wellness Offers Safer and More Effective Methods
As we’ve already mentioned, if you’ve got any questions or concerns during the whole ordeal, our general and cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, is just a phone call away. They can recommend the right products according to the condition of your teeth. Moreover, they can introduce you to various other ways they can help your smile makeover.
Our Team Can Custom-Build You an At-Home Solution
At Aspire Dental Wellness, we’re all about comfort and convenience. That’s why, as our simplest option, we can customize a take-home retainer kit, complete with fluoride. Dr. Sladjana Bjelac or one of her dental assistants will walk you through how to use it, and all you’ve got to do is enjoy the comfort of your own home and let the magic happen!
We Also Offer Advanced In-Office Treatments
When it comes to in-office treatments, our clinic offers the Opalescence™ Boost™. The mixture of potassium nitrate and fluoride in the whitening gel works wonders for brightening up smiles, all while minimizing the risk of sensitivity occurring.
Our team is also experienced in advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry. Numerous reports have concluded that the TouchWhite™ Fotona treatment we offer is both safe and effective, bringing faster results compared to traditional methods and over-the-counter solutions.
Visit Our Clinic for Bright Smiles and Happy Teeth
At Aspire Dental Wellness, we believe in more than just making your smile look great – we’re all about making sure you feel great, too! We’re committed to our specific holistic dentistry approach, focusing on your overall well-being and making sure every treatment is safe and comfortable. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference!
