Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental cosmetic treatments among patients of Northfield Dental Group. Many patients are eager to learn more about our in-office procedure, including whether it is painful. In this blog post we discuss the answer in detail and what patients should expect during and after treatment.

Some Tooth Sensitivity May Occur

Our professional in-office teeth whitening procedure involves applying a hydrogen-peroxide gel to the teeth, which is then activated by laser light. The hydrogen-peroxide gel breaks up stains and discoloration, lightening the teeth. Although safe, the bleaching agent can cause some discomfort in the form of tooth sensitivity. Not every patient experiences tooth sensitivity during treatment. Whether or not you experience discomfort will depend on whether you experience tooth sensitivity to begin with.

A benefit of getting your teeth whitened in-office is that the strength of the whitening gel can be modified. Doing so can minimize or eliminate discomfort and make your treatment as painless as possible. As an added safety measure, we will also cover your lips and gums prior to treatment to protect them from the bleaching agent.

How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity after Treatment

To minimize discomfort and tooth sensitivity after your teeth whitening treatment, we recommend the following:

• Avoid hot and cold foods and beverages for a few days
• Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water
• Breath through your nose instead of your mouth to prevent airflow from irritating sensitive teeth

Our team may also recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication to minimize discomfort.

Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?

Professional teeth whitening can improve your smile up to eight shades by removing stains and discoloration due to:

• Smoking
• Drinking dark-colored beverages (e.g., coffee, red wine and tea)
• Consuming certain foods like berries, beets and tomato sauce
• Certain medications
• Aging or genetic factors

The best way to find out if teeth whitening is right for you is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a member of our professional team. To schedule your appointment, please call Northfield Dental Group at (973) 736-0111.