Tooth sensitivity can make everyday things, like sipping coffee or brushing your teeth, feel uncomfortable. If your teeth are sensitive, the thought of whitening them might set off an alarm. Will it hurt? Is it safe? And most importantly, are there options that won’t make sensitivity worse?

The good news is yes, it’s possible to whiten your teeth with sensitive teeth. The catch, though, is selecting the right whitening technique and following the advice of your dentist to shield your enamel during the process.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

It’s good to know what causes tooth sensitivity before you schedule your teeth whitening appointment. The most common causes are:

• Wearing away of enamel, which exposes dentin beneath
• Receding gum that exposes root surfaces
• Restorative dental work or crowns
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Acid erosion from food, drinks, or acid reflux

If you’ve noticed sharp pain while eating cold, hot, or sweet foods, it’s time to visit your dentist. They can help detect the reason behind your sensitive tooth and guide your next steps.

Can Whitening Products Make Sensitivity Worse?

While the answer is not a big NO, there are ways to address this concern. Most over-the-counter whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals can temporarily sting the nerves within your teeth. So, almost everyone might experience a bit of sensitive teeth for a few days post-treatment. The intensity of this pain tends to be higher for people already struggling with sensitive teeth. This in no way signals that whitening is impossible—it just means you must undergo a customized whitening session.

What Whitening Options Are Safe for Sensitive Teeth?

Not all whitening products are alike. If you have sensitive teeth, the safest choices are:

Dentist-Supervised Whitening

• Your dentist can use lower-concentration gels to minimize irritation.
• Custom trays prevent uneven coverage and gum exposure.
• In-office fluoride treatments can relieve post-whitening sensitivity.

At-Home Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

• Use products that are “safe for sensitive teeth.”
• Experiment with whitening toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride.
• Use the treatment kit every other day or as directed.

One common myth is that professional whitening is too harsh. Our dentist in Culver City offers gentle, reliable in-office treatments to people with sensitive teeth.

How to Prepare Before Whitening

If your whitening treatment has already been scheduled, a little prep can go a long way:

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste for two weeks before treatment.
• Avoid acidic foods like citrus and soda in the days leading up.
• Discuss the application of a remineralizing gel with your dentist beforehand.

What to Do After Whitening

After the treatment, your teeth are likely to feel a little more sensitive for a couple of days. Here’s what to do with them:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods for 48 hours.
• Use fluoride-based mouthwash or gels to aid in remineralizing enamel.

Whitening results may be different, but sensitivity doesn’t have to keep you from achieving a new smile. From a gentle in-office treatment to a gradual home process, the most important thing is preserving your enamel and collaborating with a dentist for teeth whitening.