Can I have white teeth when I have sensitive teeth?

There are a lot of great options for whitening your teeth but if you suffer from sensitive teeth, then sometimes these procedures can make your teeth and gums extremely sore.

After using a whitening treatment, there are options to reduce the increased teeth sensitivity the treatment causes, especially whitening methods that have bleach as part of their formulation.

use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, before and after using tooth whitening agents. These types of toothpastes have ingredients such as potassium nitrate, which is very effective for reducing sensitivity in teeth and gums irrespective of what has caused the teeth sensitivity.

Chewing sugar-free gum helps distract you from the temporary pain of tooth sensitivity. Scientists have discovered that chewing gum produces more saliva, which hydrates the mouth and reduces the pain and discomfort of sensitive teeth.

If you experience increased sensitivity after a whitening procedure, then give your mouth a break. Avoid teeth whitening treatments for a while to give the mouth a chance to recover from the irritation you are experiencing from the teeth whitening agents. Giving your teeth a chance to “settle down” means that it may take a little longer than you might want to get white teeth, but it will reduce the sensitive teeth pain.

Monitor how often you’re using your “at home” treatments (such as a whitening pen, strip or a mouth tray) to see if you’re doing it too regularly for your teeth. Getting your sensitive teeth whitened at the dentist’s surgery is usually more comfortable for people with sensitive teeth, as your dentist will ask you about the condition of your teeth before teeth whitening treatments begin so they can monitor and adjust the treatment accordingly.

Having sensitive teeth doesn’t mean you can’t get your teeth whitened. It just means you have to be aware that you are likely to have a pain reaction if you do have sensitive teeth and to make sure you manage the process appropriately.

If you’re one of those people who have more than usual tooth sensitivity, then we’d recommend you speak to your dentist before you start any form of teeth whitening. They will be able to advise you for your special situation.