5 Ways to Avoid Sensitive Teeth After Whitening

It’s a common misconception that teeth whitening makes your teeth sensitive. In reality, most of the sensitivity you feel is caused by eating and drinking hot or cold foods or beverages after whitening. If you follow these tips to prevent sensitive teeth during and after your whitening treatment, you’ll ensure that your smile stays bright for years to come!

1. Don’t use too much toothpaste

A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient for brushing your teeth, and you should avoid using more than this amount daily.

If your sensitive teeth are still bothering you after professional teeth whitening, consider switching to a different brand or flavor of toothpaste until the sensitivity subsides (you can always go back). It’s not uncommon for people who have sensitive teeth after bleaching treatment to notice an increase in sensitivity when they use certain types of toothpaste–even if it’s just a different flavor!

2. Avoid brushing immediately after eating

While you may be eager to remove food particles from your teeth after a meal, the best way to avoid sensitive teeth is by not brushing immediately after eating. Instead, wait 30 minutes and use a soft-bristle toothbrush and sensitive-teeth toothpaste.

The longer you wait between eating and brushing, the less likely it is that acidity will remain in contact with your enamel. A gentle, soft-bristled brush will also reduce any chance of abrasion on top of this additional buffer time.

If you find yourself in a situation where brushing immediately after meals are unavoidable (for example, if someone else cleans up after everyone at the table), try rinsing out their mouthfuls with water before beginning their hygiene regimen; this simple action can make all the difference!

3. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a sensitive-teeth toothpaste

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use a sensitive-teeth toothpaste
• Refrain from brushing too hard or too long, or it can damage your gums and the roots of your teeth.

4. Don’t apply whitening trays with dry or rough gums or lips

• Avoid applying whitening trays with dry or rough gums or lips if you have sensitive teeth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth, as it can be more gentle on the enamel than a hard-bristled brush.
• Choose a sensitive toothpaste that doesn’t contain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or stannous fluoride (SnF2). These ingredients can irritate gum tissue and cause sensitivity in some people who wear whitening trays for extended periods.

5. Don’t use whitening trays for longer 

It is a big one, as it can be tempting to use the trays after you’ve reached the desired shade of white. But if you’re not careful, this can make more sensitive teeth prone to further damage. Your dentist or oral care professional will know how long is safe for you–follow their advice! If you’re using a home kit: follow their instructions carefully and don’t exceed them.

The Bottom Line

If you’re worried about sensitive teeth after whitening, it’s important to remember that it’s a common side effect. However, there are several things you can do to avoid this issue or lessen its severity. You should follow your dentist’s instructions carefully when using whitening trays and ensure they fit well so they don’t irritate your gums or lips while wearing them overnight. Also, ensure not too much toothpaste is used when brushing, as this can irritate you too! And lastly: Always use soft-bristled brushes when scrubbing away plaque because stiffer bristles may cause more damage than good in cases like these, where sensitivity is already an existing concern.