{"id":385,"date":"2026-02-19T17:55:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T17:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/?p=385"},"modified":"2026-03-04T17:57:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T17:57:48","slug":"tips-for-avoiding-sensitivity-after-teeth-whitening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marltoncosmeticdentist.com\/blog\/2026\/02\/tips-for-avoiding-sensitivity-after-teeth-whitening\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Avoiding Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Professional whitening<\/a> can remove up to eight shades of discoloration and stains in as little as one hour for in-office treatment and about two weeks for a take home kit from your dentist. But sometimes, patients can experience tooth sensitivity following their procedure. The good news is that while this is usually temporary, there is still plenty you can do to help lower your risk and help your smile feel better immediately afterward. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The outer layer of your teeth is called the enamel. Though it is hard and durable, it is covered with tiny pores. These holes are what allow stains to enter the tooth and cause them to become stained and discolored. To remove this discoloration, your dentist uses powerful chemicals that infiltrate the pores and break the stains apart. Unfortunately, in the process, this can strip away some of the minerals that protect your teeth from sensitivity. Thus, if you eat anything hot, cold, or acidic following treatment, it may cause sensitivity until these minerals are restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that with professional teeth whitening, tooth sensitivity is usually less severe and much shorter in duration than with over-the-counter products. That\u2019s because the powerful chemicals your dentist uses work faster, thereby reducing your need for prolonged exposure. In addition to choosing the safer and more efficient way to whiten your teeth, you can also try the following to help reduce sensitivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n