What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that has recently gained significant popularity. Most of us are typically born with milky white teeth. However, regular wear and tear, dietary habits, ill habits such as smoking and tobacco consumption, and the perils of the oral environment can lead to discolouration and staining of the teeth. This makes your teeth lose their original shine and dulls out your smile.
That being said, it is also essential to recognise that not all of us are born with pearly whites. Many developmental dental disorders, such as dentinogenesis imperfecta, make the teeth discoloured and brittle. Fluorosis can also lead to brown, pitted to whitish staining on the teeth. If a mother has been on tetracyclines, a class of antibiotics during pregnancy, the child may develop tetracycline staining on their teeth, giving the teeth whitish discolouration.
Teeth whitening procedures aim to make the teeth lighter and brighter with the help of active ingredients which break down staining and bleach discolouration.
Teeth Whitening Procedure
Teeth whitening procedures can be performed on vital (alive) or non-vital teeth (root canal treated/necrosed/dead tooth). The most commonly performed teeth whitening procedure is that which is performed on vital teeth.
Step-by-Step Process
During your initial teeth whitening consultation, the dentist will first perform a complete oral examination to determine the health of your teeth, gums and surrounding oral soft tissues. Post that, a treatment plan will be designed which is safe and appropriate for you.
The procedure starts with thorough teeth cleaning to eliminate any plaque and calculus accumulation on the teeth surface and gum margins. Once adequate oral health is established, the process of teeth whitening begins.
It will start with the placement of a rubber dam to isolate your teeth and protect gums and adjacent oral soft tissues from the teeth whitening agents. Next, the teeth will be dried and cleaned. The dentist will apply a coating of teeth-whitening agents and leave it on for 15 minutes. Later, the agent is washed, and teeth are cleaned.
Recent advances have suggested using LASER and UV light during teeth whitening procedures. Exposing the whitening agent-laden teeth to laser/UV light allows the active ingredients, usually carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, to penetrate the teeth deeply. Doing so allows for faster results and reduces visits while ensuring the procedure is safe.
It is important to remember that teeth whitening may work differently for everyone. Some people may benefit from a single seating while others may require follow-up visits for desired results.
Pros of Teeth Whitening
A bright smile has always been associated with beauty, and a smile is the key that draws people to you. A bright smile is more inviting, suggests that you take care of yourself and your health, and makes you more approachable. All this has a tremendous impact on your self-confidence, making you thrive in your personal, social and professional life.
Teeth whitening procedures include essential preventive dental procedures such as dental cleaning, ensuring you have a healthy and disease-free mouth. Your oral hygiene will improve and may also have long-lasting mental health benefits.
Teeth whitening is a relatively quick and safe treatment measure when done by and under the supervision of a board-certified cosmetic dentist.
Cons of Teeth Whitening
-
Teeth whitening treatments do not affect pre-existing fillings and crowns.
-
Whitening when performed in the presence of active oral infections or complicating systemic conditions may worsen the condition.
-
It is not a permanent solution to brighten your teeth.
-
It may lead to temporary teeth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening is a safe procedure that hardly produces any complications if done by a dental professional. However, many brands have now come up with at-home teeth whitening solutions, which are getting a lot of fame.
These at-home treatments can be risky if wrongly chosen. Many patients who self-treated themselves to get white teeth are reporting brittle enamel and severe permanent teeth sensitivity.
Why Do Teeth Get Sensitive After Teeth Whitening?
Several reasons may contribute to sensitivity after teeth whitening, including:
-
The whitening gel reacts with enamel to dissolve stains and provide the bleaching effect, making the enamel more permeable and exposing the underlying dentine.
-
Dentine has several tubules containing nerve endings, and once exposed, these nerves trigger the pain of sensitivity.
-
The trays used during whitening may apply inadvertent pressure.
-
The bleaching gel itself can act as an irritant when it touches gums and soft tissues.
Is Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening Permanent?
Teeth sensitivity after a professionally done whitening procedure is usually temporary. It will go away with the use of fluoride-based toothpaste and once the enamel remineralises.
However, if the enamel damage is severe, it may become permanent, especially when safety protocols are ignored — such as with drugstore at-home whitening kits.
How to Bypass Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening Treatment
How would you feel if we told you there are many things you can do to bypass teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening? Read ahead to know more:
1. Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Liquids
Since the enamel is more permeable and nerve endings are exposed, it is wise to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and liquids for the first few days.
Stick to room temperature foods and drinks for at least 7–10 days post-treatment.
2. Avoid Acidic Foods and Liquids
Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, sodas, and carbonated beverages can worsen sensitivity and damage enamel.
Avoid these for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
3. Use a Fluoride-Based Desensitising Toothpaste and a Soft Toothbrush
Fluoride strengthens teeth and makes them more resistant to decay. It helps in remineralisation and prevents sensitivity by reinforcing enamel with fluorapatite crystals.
4. Do Not Overbleach
- Avoid overdoing teeth whitening — especially with at-home whitening kits.
- Excessive whitening erodes enamel and exposes dentine, causing permanent sensitivity.
- Remember, naturally pale-yellow teeth are healthy and normal!
5. Get Your Teeth Whitened the Right Way
For a safe and effective whitening experience, always consult a certified cosmetic dentist. They will guide you correctly, prevent overbleaching, and give you a brighter smile safely.
Also, avoid smoking, tobacco, and excessive alcohol intake to preserve whitening results long-term.
If you have not yet received an answer to your questions, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments below — we’ll reply as soon as possible.
If you found this article useful, we invite you to leave a comment and share your feedback.
