Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening Strips?

Isela Cantuarias • October 15, 2022

What are Whitening Strips, and How Do They Work?


Whitening strips are thin plastic strips that you put on your teeth. They contain peroxide, which bleaches your teeth.


Your dentist will apply them to the surfaces of your teeth using suction or adhesive and then let them sit for 30-60 minutes (usually) before rinsing them off with water.


Whitening strips are usually used once a day for several days to achieve the best results. It is not recommended to use the whitening strips overnight because they can cause gum irritation and sensitivity.


Why Do My Teeth Hurt?


  • Teeth sensitivity

The use of whitening strips can cause sensitivity. However, it isn’t permanent and can be reduced with time and continued care. If you are sensitive to the bleaching agents found in your teeth-whitening strip, try using them less often or switch brands altogether.


Using a low-strength whitening strip may also help reduce sensitivity if your mouth is sensitive to stronger chemicals used in these products (such as hydrogen peroxide).


If you experience extreme pain or irritation when brushing or flossing, we recommend you visit a dental office near you for treatment. The dentist will assess the gums and recommend the appropriate treatment.


  • Irritation to the gums

Gum irritation can occur because it may contain harmful chemicals, which can irritate the tissue of the gums.


The irritation causes swelling of the tissue around the teeth, which causes discomfort and pain in some people. Stop using the whitening strips immediately if you experience any sensitivity or soreness after using them.


How to Ease Teeth Sensitivity While Using Whitening Strips?


Teeth sensitivity happens because the tooth enamel becomes thinner and less protective after the whitening process.


To reduce teeth sensitivity while using whitening strips, you must use a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash. You will also need to avoid acidic foods with high sugar content.


How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?


The frequency of teeth whitening is dependent on the condition of one’s teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, you should whiten them every six months.

If someone has stained teeth, they should whiten them quarterly or every three months.


The more frequently you whiten the teeth, the more likely the whitening results will last longer.


How Do I Naturally Whiten My teeth?


There are many natural ways to whiten teeth, like baking soda and peroxide. This method will not only give you whiter teeth, but it will also remove plaque and improve your gum health.


An easy way to whiten your teeth is by using mouthwash or toothpaste with a whitening agent or activated charcoal. This can help remove stains on the surface of your teeth and make them appear whiter.


Baking is a natural, non-toxic, and inexpensive remedy for teeth whitening, and it is easy to use. When brushing, use the baking soda for a minute, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. However, baking soda can erode the enamel and weaken the teeth.


However, the best option is getting professional teeth whitening services in West New York for better results. Furthermore, the dentist protects the gums from irritation by applying the protective gel before the tooth whitening procedure.


How to Prevent Teeth Discoloration?


Teeth discoloration can happen because of age or consuming too much coffee, tea, red wine, and other beverages that contain tannins. Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause the teeth to discolor.


There are many ways to prevent teeth discoloration, and some of them are as follows:


  • Avoid drinking coffee, tea, and red wine.
  • Avoid smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products.
  • Brush your teeth with baking soda mixed with water every day to remove stains from your teeth.


Schedule an Appointment


Visit Complete Dental Works for more information about teeth whitening strips and how they work.

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