This article focuses specifically on the five most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening and pain: 1) Does the whitening process cause pain, 2) why does it cause pain, 3) how much pain does it cause, 4) how long does the pain last, and 5) how to treat pain.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Pain?
The short answer is, ‘yes, it can.’ However, pain is a very broad term. So, to better understand the issue, let’s begin by defining pain which is simply, ‘an unpleasant feeling’ or ‘physical discomfort.’ Pain encompasses many different levels ranging from extremely mild and almost unnoticeable to the worst, most unimaginable sensation ever. Typically, people tend to associate the word pain with more severe occurrences and situations and often use the synonym ‘discomfort’ when describing less severe, milder events. While both terms convey unpleasantness, they vary widely in degree.
When talking about teeth whitening, it’s appropriate to use the term discomfort as opposed to pain. Why? Because we’re not talking about being run over by a cattle stampede or falling off the roof of the house and landing face-first in the driveway. We’re talking about a sensation that’s far less extreme and unpleasant – something that ranks between zero to four on the pain continuum.
While many people don’t experience any discomfort at all after the process, there are some that do. From this group, the vast majority report only minimal discomfort that comes and goes over a two-to-four-day period.
So, now that we’ve put the pain concept into perspective, perhaps the better question to ask is, ‘does teeth whitening cause discomfort?’ The short answer is, ‘it can, and it depends.’
Why Does Teeth Whitening Cause Pain?
Every one of us is unique. As such, we have different tolerance levels for everything from alcohol and chocolate to patience and pain. That’s why some people don’t experience any discomfort, some experience level two, and others level three or four. By far, the most frequent form of discomfort people experience is sensitivity in their teeth for some period after the whitening process. But, why?
Simply, teeth are porous. And, all whitening products include ingredients called ‘activators’ that open the pores of the teeth to let the whitening agent penetrate the outside (enamel) and inside (dentin) of each tooth. Once the pores of a tooth are open, they not only allow the whitening agent to enter but they also expose the inside of the tooth to air, heat, and cold. With the window (pores) open, the inside of the tooth may then be sensitive to these factors as well as pressure. Once the pores begin to close the teeth start to become less sensitive. Ultimately, the pores close completely and the remaining sensitivity goes away.
How Much Pain Is There?
The answer to this question is best defined by each individual’s tolerance or sensitivity level. You know your body better than anyone, and you have the best idea regarding your threshold. Everyone is different, and it’s this difference that determines whether or not you will experience discomfort and, if so, at what level and for how long.
Once again, we’re not approximating any sensation similar to what one might experience if their bungee cord didn’t hold. We’re talking about discomfort in the form of intermittent twinges, of varying intensity, that come and go over several hours or perhaps over a one-to-four-day period.
These twinges, called ‘zingers,’ are the most common feeling and are described as periodic, sharp sensations in the teeth that usually last only a few seconds at a time. Some people also experience a dull ache in their teeth for a few days following the process.
For the vast majority of people we talk with, the potential of any short-term discomfort is far outweighed by their desire to live a more confident life with the help of a brighter, more engaging smile.
How Long Does the Pain Last?
As we’ve discussed, many people have no issues with discomfort at all following a whitening process. However, for the people who do experience zingers (twinges) or a dull toothache, that experience can last a few hours up to three or four days. With twinges, the sensation typically comes and goes during this period and isn’t constant. As such, they occur randomly and without warning. The dull ache can be a more constant sensation in the days following the process.
Usually, after three to four days, the pores in the teeth are completely closed and any subsequent discomfort disappears. Nevertheless, depending on each individual, this “closing process” can take more or less time.
What Can I Do to Decrease Pain from Teeth Whitening?
Below are a few suggestions that have proven to help reduce or minimize any potential discomfort that might arise from the whitening process.
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (like you would for a headache).
- Use Sensodyne or a similar product (for sensitive teeth) approximately one to two weeks prior to your whitening appointment.
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, after your appointment.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush your teeth using lukewarm water.
- Brush lightly (not a lot of pressure).
- Avoid eating or drinking anything very hot or cold for several days following your appointment.
- If you use any of the take-home tray whitening options, you may skip days between use to help decrease sensitivity. You will achieve the same whitening results but, it may take a little longer.
Farragut and Knoxville’s Cosmetic Dentist
We want your smile to not only be a reflection of your confidence but a reflection of your complete experience with our West Knoxville dental team. If there’s anything we can do to help you show your best self to the world, please let us know. Whether it’s whitening, a cosmetic smile consultation, restorative work, or other needs, call or email us here.
