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Is It Normal to Have Sore Teeth After Using Teeth Whitening Products?

B. Miller
B. Miller

As many people who have used teeth whitening products can attest, they can lead to some soreness and sensitivity in exchange for whiter teeth. It is completely normal to have sore teeth after using teeth whitening products. The soreness is temporary and should not last longer than a few days after the whitening process is completed.

It is not entirely clear what causes this sensitivity in over two-thirds of people who use either at-home whitening methods or get professional whitening at the dentist. However, it is believed to occur when the peroxide used for bleaching comes into contact with the nerve tissue inside the tooth. Nearly all tooth whitening systems use peroxide as the active bleaching ingredient, which leads to temporarily sore teeth or sore gums.

Sodium tripolyphosphate, which is often included in whitening toothpaste.
Sodium tripolyphosphate, which is often included in whitening toothpaste.

There are different types of tooth whitening systems. You may use dental trays, strips that stick on your teeth, or a gel that is painted on with a brush. Some are used for as little as five days, while others are used for two weeks to a month. There are also daily teeth whitening kits, which are generally applied for a few minutes a day every day. Any of these methods can cause sore teeth.

Teeth whitening procedures can cause some soreness.
Teeth whitening procedures can cause some soreness.

In most cases, the level of soreness is in direct proportion to the percentage of peroxide used. In at-home whitening kits, the percentage of peroxide is displayed on the kit -- so choosing a kit with a lower percentage of peroxide should help to prevent some sensitivity. In general, the faster the process, the higher the level of peroxide. Professional whitening at the dentist has the highest amount of peroxide, but also generally takes the least amount of time, which can actually be helpful for those prone to sensitivity and sore teeth.

Some mouthwashes purport to whiten teeth.
Some mouthwashes purport to whiten teeth.

If you've completed a tooth whitening system and are experiencing sensitivity, some suggest applying fluoride to the teeth to lessen the pain. Another option that can help is to brush your teeth with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. The pain should dissipate within a day or two after you've finished the bleaching system; if the pain is severe, or the sore teeth do not improve, you should contact your dentist.

Temporary teeth soreness should end shortly after the whitening process is completed.
Temporary teeth soreness should end shortly after the whitening process is completed.

If your teeth are too sensitive for whitening, some people find success using whitening toothpaste, which usually contains gentle abrasives to clean surface stains, but not peroxide. Mouthwash that promises to whiten teeth also exists. For a natural method with virtually no danger of sore teeth, brushing with baking soda is effective and gentle. Never brush your teeth with lemon juice or strawberries, two popular "natural" methods, as these methods can strip the enamel off your teeth, leading to not only sore teeth but also permanent damage and tooth decay.

Discussion Comments

anon262233

I cannot give up smoking. I paid £50 to be told I had to give it up but I can't, so could I still have them done?

TrogJoe19

@ShadowGenius

I think this depends on the kind of pain you are experiencing. If the pain is unnatural and extreme, this could indicate that you have mixed chemicals in the mouth which were not meant to be mixed, or that you bought a sham whitening.

ShadowGenius

Teeth whitening tends to feel like you've scraped your teeth of the plaque, which is a good thing, although it can hurt. You know the saying "no pain no gain." This applies to a number of things, including having your teeth healed.

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    • Sodium tripolyphosphate, which is often included in whitening toothpaste.
      By: Aaron Amat
      Sodium tripolyphosphate, which is often included in whitening toothpaste.
    • Teeth whitening procedures can cause some soreness.
      By: sanneberg
      Teeth whitening procedures can cause some soreness.
    • Some mouthwashes purport to whiten teeth.
      By: ijacky
      Some mouthwashes purport to whiten teeth.
    • Temporary teeth soreness should end shortly after the whitening process is completed.
      By: dusk
      Temporary teeth soreness should end shortly after the whitening process is completed.
    • Whitening the teeth naturally with baking soda should not cause sore teeth.
      By: Franny-Anne
      Whitening the teeth naturally with baking soda should not cause sore teeth.
    • Human teeth are naturally white, but the can become darker over time.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Human teeth are naturally white, but the can become darker over time.