Bleaching Products: Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening Strips?

We’ve all been there: you spend hours choosing the perfect teeth whitening strips, and after using them for a while, your teeth hurt. You might think it is because they are sensitive to cold or hot temperatures, but why do my teeth hurt after using whitening strips? There are many reasons we experience tooth sensitivity following the use of these products. The most common causes include enamel thinning from overuse of whitening treatments and products, enamel irritation from harsh chemicals in some bleaching agents, and an allergic reaction to certain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. We will explore each one below!

What are teeth whitening strips made of and why do they work

Teeth whitening strips can often cause a great deal of pain for those that use them. Most people associate the pain with the increased teeth sensitivity they experience, but this is not actually what is causing the pain. The reason why teeth hurt after using whitening products is because of the chemicals found in them.

The bleaching agents in the strips can cause pain and sensitivity issues, primarily if misused. It is essential to follow the instructions exactly as they are written to avoid any pain. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue use and contact your dentist.

Teeth whitening strips are one of the most popular ways to achieve brighter teeth without going through a more invasive procedure like laser tooth whitening. They are also much less expensive than other methods.

Why do my teeth hurt after using them

One of the most common questions people ask about teeth whitening strips is, “Why do I experience toothache after using them?” The answer to this question depends on what kind of tooth pain you are having. Here is a breakdown of some different types of pains and why they may occur after using whitening strips:

Sensitive Teeth

One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is that it can make your teeth sensitive. This occurs when the bleaching agent comes into contact with the enamel on your teeth and causes it to become temporarily more porous. This can lead to discomfort or pain in your teeth, especially when you are eating or drinking something cold or hot.

Gum pain

Whitening strips can also cause gum pain if they are not applied correctly. If the tooth whitening agent comes into contact with your gums, it can cause them to become irritated and inflamed. In some cases, this may even lead to gum recession.

Tooth Pain

In some rare cases, it can actually cause toothache. This may be due to the fact that the bleaching agent is coming into direct contact with the nerve in your tooth. If you are experiencing any tooth pain after using whitening strips, it is best to consult with your dentist to try to find the root of the problem.

How should I use the strips for the best results?

When using whitening strips, it is important to follow the instructions closely in order to achieve the best results. First, brush your teeth and floss them well to remove any plaque or debris. Then, cut the strip to fit your teeth and apply it according to the directions.

Most strips should be left on for 30 minutes, but some can be left on for 60 minutes or more if the package says that it is safe. After removing the strip, brush your teeth as usual, and you should find that your teeth are noticeably whiter!

Although following the instructions is important, some people experience discomfort or pain after using whitening strips. This is most likely due to the bleaching agent in the strips and usually goes away within a few hours. If the pain is severe or lasts for more than a day, stop using the strips and consult a dental professional.

What is tooth sensitivity, and what can I do about it

One of the most common side effects of people who use teeth whitening strips is increased tooth sensitivity. This occurs when the bleaching agent comes into contact with the enamel on your teeth and causes it to become temporarily more porous.

This temporary increase in porosity can lead to a feeling of discomfort or pain in your teeth, especially when you are eating or drinking something cold or hot.

There are a few things that you can do to help alleviate sensitivity. First, make sure to brush your teeth and floss them well before using whitening strips. This will help remove any debris that may be on your teeth and prevent the whitening agent from coming into contact with it.

Another thing that you can do to help improve this tooth pain is to drink plenty of fluids after using teeth whitening strips. This will wash away the chemicals in the whitening solution and help to soothe any that may be occurring.

If the teeth sensitivity is severe or lasts for more than a day, stop using the whitening strips and consult your dentist. They may be able to prescribe a toothpaste or other treatment that can help to lessen the pain.

How do you stop your teeth from hurting after whitening strips?

Teeth whitening strips can be effective in lightening the color of your teeth, but it often causes pain and discomfort in many people. There has been considerable debate on whether or not bleaching causes damage to the tooth enamel, and this will be discussed later in the article. For now, let’s take a look at some ways to reduce sensitivity after using whitening strips.

One way to reduce teeth sensitivity is to use desensitizing toothpaste before you start bleaching your teeth. This will help coat and protect your teeth from the harsh chemicals in the whitening strip. Be sure only to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your brush. In order to prevent tooth sensitivity the day after bleaching, try using a desensitizing mouthwash before going to bed after whitening your teeth.

It is important to note that desensitizing products alone do not protect against gum irritation and other types of pain associated with bleaching.

If you have already experienced pain after bleaching your teeth, there are a few things you can do to relieve the discomfort. First, rinse your mouth with cold water. This will help to reduce any inflammation in your gums. You can also try using toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to rebuild enamel that may have been damaged during bleaching.

It is also a good idea to switch from whitening strips to fluoride toothpaste after bleaching your teeth. Fluoride helps to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of future tooth sensitivity.

Is there anything else I need to know before using these products

First and foremost, always read the instructions on the teeth whitening strip packaging before using them. Some people experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after using whitening strips, so it’s important to be aware of these potential side effects before you start bleaching your teeth. In addition, make sure to avoid contact between the whitening strips and your gums, as this can also lead to irritation.

If you’re using whitening strips for the first time, it’s a good idea to start out with a lower concentration of bleaching agents, such as 10 percent or 20 percent. This will help minimize any potential tooth or gum sensitivity. You can always increase the strength of the whitening solution the next time you use your teeth whitening strips.

How long should I wear them?

Teeth whitening strips usually last for at least an hour, sometimes up to an hour and a half. The time depends on the brand, but there is no set number of hours every person should wear these strips. Some people do not experience any discomfort or pain when wearing their whitening strips, while others find the sensation mildly irritating. If you are one of the latter, it is best to start by wearing them for a shorter amount of time and then gradually increase the duration as your teeth get used to the strips.

Can I Use Teeth Whitening Strips If I have sensitive teeth?

If you have sensitive teeth, it is vital to be correctly informed about the product before use. Teeth whitening strips are designed to help remove stains that accumulate on enamel tooth surfaces. Most people will notice results after using their whitening strips just once or twice, but many reports improve results each time they use their product. It is also important to note that teeth whitening strips may help reduce tooth sensitivity that is caused by cavities, natural aging of the teeth, or gum disease.

Teeth with buildup on them are more difficult for the whitening agent to penetrate, so it works better to have a clean surface.

Alternatives to Teeth Whitening Strips

There are a few other teeth whitening treatments that you can try to get your teeth whitened if you’re not comfortable using whitening strips.

Over-the-counter Whitening Pens

One option is to use over-the-counter whitening pens or gels. These products usually come with a brush or applicator that helps you apply the bleaching agent directly to your teeth. Whitening pens and gels are a good choice if you want to achieve quick results, as they usually produce noticeable changes in teeth color after just one use.

Whitening Toothpaste

Another option is to try tooth whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste usually contains small amounts of bleaching agents, so they may not be as effective as whitening strips or gels, but they can still help lighten teeth by a few shades.

Teeth Whitening Kits

Teeth whitening kits usually come with a whitening gel or solution and trays or strips that you use to apply the bleaching agent to your teeth. Teeth whitening kits are a good choice to achieve gradual and long-lasting results, as they usually produce the best results after repeated use.

Bleaching trays

This treatment is an alternative to whitening strips, and results can be seen in a similar amount of time.

One important caveat is to keep in mind when you are bleaching your teeth with this method is that the solution should not come into contact with your gums lest you risk irritation of this delicate tissue.

It is recommended that you wrap gauze strips around the teeth whitening tray to create a barrier between your gums and the bleaching solution.

Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive teeth whitening treatment, you can consider professional bleaching treatments at the dental office. Professional bleaching treatments use more potent agents than over-the-counter products to produce more noticeable results in a shorter amount of time.

Downsides of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening could include an increased risk for oral cancer, gum irritation or injury, and other side effects.

As with any product that works to bleach your teeth, it is essential to keep in mind some potential drawbacks involved with this process. The most common side effects of teeth whitening include gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and enamel erosion.

In some cases, more serious side effects such as oral cancer can occur after teeth whitening treatment. For this reason, it is essential to consult with your dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment to ensure that you are aware of all the risks involved.

Additionally, it is essential to note that teeth whitening treatments should not be used excessively, as this can also lead to adverse effects such as tooth erosion that can cause permanent damage.

It is best to limit your teeth whitening treatments to a few times a year in order to reduce the risk for these side effects.

Talk to Your Dentist About Your Teeth Whitening Sensitivity

Teeth whitening strips are a great way to get a brighter smile and boost confidence. However, many people experience discomfort after use due to the sensitivity of the gums and mouth following exposure to hydrogen peroxide (one of the key ingredients in most tooth whitener products). This is because these chemicals can irritate sensitive tissues that line the inside of your mouth. If you find yourself experiencing this same sensation after using a strip, please discontinue use as soon as possible for the best results. Your body will eventually adjust to normal once it heals from any irritation or pain caused by this process. You may also want to consider switching to an oral rinse like Colgate® Optic White™, which contains less harsh chemicals.

References:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/teeth-whitening/products/teeth-whitening-strips-01

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/teeth-whitening

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry