3 Easy Ways to Instantly Stop Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can brighten your smile and boost your confidence. But, it often comes with side effects, including sensitivity.

The good news?
Post-whitening sensitivity is completely temporary and reversible. It’s usually mild and will not interfere with your daily life.

You might feel it immediately after treatment, and it typically lasts for 3 to 4 days before fading away on its own.

If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity after whitening, don’t worry. We’ll show you the most effective ways to relieve it quickly.

Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive After Whitening?

Teeth can become sensitive after whitening because the enamel—the outermost layer of your teeth—is naturally porous. These tiny pores allow the chemicals used in whitening to reach and irritate the nerves inside the tooth.

Enamel Porosity

Most whitening treatments use a strong ingredient called hydrogen peroxide. Once applied, it breaks down staining substances along with proteins and other organic compounds that naturally fill the pores of the enamel. This makes the enamel even more porous.

As a result, more peroxide can pass through the enamel, reach the underlying dentin, and ultimately stimulate the nerves inside the tooth.

This is why increased tooth sensitivity, often felt as a sharp, short pain, is a common side effect. Hot, cold, or acidic foods or drinks can make it even worse.

The good news is that sensitivity is completely reversible and does not usually last too long. Within a few days, the enamel will recover on its own, filling in these porous areas and becoming less sensitive.

Who’s More Prone to Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?

While post-whitening sensitivity is common and everyone experiences it to some degree, some people are more prone than others. You may be at a higher risk if you have:

• A thin enamel layer, which allows more peroxide to reach the nerves
• Receding gums and exposed tooth roots
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease

If you’re already dealing with dental conditions like cavities, gum disease, or dental sensitivity, whitening might not be right for you—at least not yet.

That’s because peroxide can worsen these issues. It's important to treat them first before starting any whitening treatment.

The 3 Most Effective Ways to Stop or Reduce Tooth Sensitivity Immediately After Whitening

There are two main ways to relieve sensitivity after whitening:

• Seal the enamel pores using remineralizing products. These help restore the minerals your enamel needs to repair itself—mainly calcium, fluoride, and phosphorus.


• Numb the exposed nerve endings to block pain signals. A common ingredient that does this is potassium nitrate.

Here are 3 effective methods for fast relief:

• Apply a desensitizing toothpaste and leave it on your teeth for a few minutes.


• Use a remineralizing supplement—such as a gel, cream, or mouthwash—to speed up the enamel recovery process.


• Adjust your diet to avoid making the sensitivity worse.

1. Desensitizing Toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpastes are specially formulated with ingredients that help soothe the nerves inside your teeth and reduce sensitivity. The most well-known active ingredient is potassium nitrate, which works by numbing the nerves.

Toothpaste with 5% potassium nitrate include:

• Sensodyne Clinical White
• Sensodyne Pronamel

Other toothpastes relieve sensitivity by remineralizing the enamel and forming a protective layer over the teeth.

Look for active ingredients like:

• NovaMin (Sensodyne Clinical Repair)
• Stannous fluoride (Parodontax Active Gum Repair)
• Hydroxyapatite (BOKA Toothpaste)
• Arginine
• Strontium chloride

How to use it for best results:

Apply the toothpaste directly to your teeth and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the active ingredients enough time to penetrate the enamel.
Then, spit it out—but don’t rinse your mouth for at least 30 minutes, so the ingredients can continue working.
You can repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day for faster relief.

2. Remineralizing Products

Besides your daily toothpaste, you can use a remineralizing product to help speed up and support the enamel repair process. These products work by filling in the porous areas of the enamel with minerals to reduce sensitivity.

They come in various products, including mouthwashes, gels, creams, and foams.

Here are some options:

• Fluoride Mouthwash – These are available in daily or weekly formulas, depending on the fluoride concentration. For sensitivity, a daily rinse with 0.05% sodium fluoride is more effective.


• Dental Gels – CariFree Gel and ROCS Remineralizing Gel are good options.


• Dental Creams – like GC Tooth Mousse and MI Paste Plus.

How to use for best results:

Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the label carefully.

In general, the best use is before bedtime, after brushing and flossing.

If you are using a gel or cream:

• Apply it directly to your teeth
• Let it sit for at least 3 minutes
• Spit out the excess—but don’t rinse for 30 minutes

3. Mind Your Diet for the First Few Days

After a whitening treatment, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. To avoid making the sensitivity worse, it’s best to avoid these types of foods for a few days.

Stick to soft, warm, and non-acidic options until your teeth start to feel normal again.

Once the enamel has had time to remineralize—usually within a few days—you can return to your regular diet.

Below are some examples of foods to eat and avoid for better comfort.

Foods to Eat and Avoid After Teeth Whitening to Prevent Sensitivity