Does whitening your teeth hurt? The procedure of whitening the teeth is generally not painful, but could cause some sensitivity around the gums. If you have sensitive teeth and gums, defective restorations, or severely receding gums, you may probably request for a milder concentration of the peroxide based bleaching gel to be used. However those that are allergic to peroxide compounds should avoid teeth whitening procedures.
Some factors that could affect the pain and sensitivity of your teeth whitening are:
- There are different types and methods of teeth whitening, such as in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching, laser whitening, zoom whitening, etc. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, and may require different equipment and materials to perform. The more advanced and effective the procedure, the more likely it is to cause some discomfort or irritation.
- If you have mild to moderate staining, you may need fewer sessions and less time per session than someone who has severe staining or intrinsic discoloration (such as from medication or trauma). The more sessions and time you need, the more likely it is to cause some pain or sensitivity.
- Depending on how healthy and strong your teeth and gums are, your teeth whitening could be more or less painful. For example, if you have sensitive teeth and gums, defective restorations, or severely receding gums, your teeth whitening could be more painful than if you have normal teeth and gums. Similarly, if you have cavities, cracks, or infections in your teeth or gums, your teeth whitening could be more painful and risky.
- After you undergo teeth whitening, you will need to follow some instructions and precautions to protect your teeth and gums from sensitivity and damage. You will also need to use some products or kits to maintain your results and prevent them from fading. These could help reduce the pain and sensitivity of your teeth whitening.
So, there is no definitive answer to how much whitening your teeth hurts. It depends on many factors that are unique to each individual and each procedure. However, if you follow some tips and tricks to whiten your teeth without pain, you can enjoy your bright smile without any discomfort.
Some tips and tricks to whiten your teeth without pain are:
- Choose a reputable and experienced dentist who can perform the teeth whitening procedure safely and effectively. Ask them about the benefits and risks of the procedure, as well as the expected outcome and maintenance.
- Choose a suitable type and method of teeth whitening that matches your needs and preferences. Ask your dentist about the different options available and their pros and cons.
- Choose a mild concentration of the bleaching gel that can whiten your teeth without causing too much sensitivity or irritation. Ask your dentist about the optimal concentration for your case.
- Avoid or limit the consumption of staining foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, wine, soda, berries, sauces, etc., before and after the procedure. They can cause more stains and sensitivity on your teeth.
- Avoid or quit smoking or chewing tobacco before and after the procedure. They can cause more stains and damage on your teeth.
- Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste that is gentle on your enamel before and after the procedure. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash before and after the procedure to reduce the sensitivity and pain on your teeth. You can also use a cold compress or an ice pack on your cheeks to soothe the inflammation on your gums.
- Take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before and after the procedure to relieve the pain on your teeth. However, do not take aspirin as it can increase the bleeding on your gums.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and touch-ups to monitor the progress of your teeth whitening and maintain its results.