Is It True That Teeth Whitening Can Make Your Teeth Sensitive
If you’ve ever wondered whether teeth whitening can make your teeth sensitive, the short answer is yes, it can. But don’t worry, the sensitivity is usually temporary. Let’s dive into how the process works and what you can do to ensure your teeth stay healthy during whitening treatments.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening treatments typically use hydrogen peroxide, which is a powerful whitening agent. When applied to your teeth, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, releasing free radicals. These free radicals target and break up stains that are stuck in the enamel or dentin layers of your teeth. While this is great for brightening your smile, the whitening process can open up tiny pores in your teeth, making them temporarily more sensitive. This sensitivity is similar to how your skin feels after a chemical peel—it’s just a temporary reaction as your teeth adjust.
Temporary Sensitivity
The good news is that when teeth whitening is done professionally, your dentist will use the right concentration of hydrogen peroxide to minimise sensitivity. In most cases, any discomfort or sensitivity you feel after an in-office whitening session should subside within 24 hours. A professional treatment ensures that the whitening process is safe, effective, and designed to limit any unnecessary discomfort.
What Happens If Your Teeth or Gums Are Already Compromised?
If your teeth have underlying issues like decay, enamel wear, or gum disease, whitening can cause more than just temporary sensitivity—it could lead to permanent damage. That’s because weakened enamel or inflamed gums are more susceptible to harm during the whitening process. When you whiten compromised teeth, the whitening agent can penetrate too deeply, worsening the problem and causing long-lasting sensitivity.
This is why it’s so important to avoid non-professional whitening services, such as those offered in beauty salons. These places might not assess the health of your teeth and gums before performing the treatment, which can put your oral health at risk. Always opt for a licensed dental professional who can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums before recommending any whitening treatment.

Why You Should Trust a Dentist for Whitening
A licensed dentist will do more than just whiten your teeth—they’ll also take the time to understand the root cause of any staining and provide a treatment that works best for your specific needs. Whether your teeth are stained from coffee, wine, or other factors, a dentist can help ensure your gums and teeth are healthy before moving forward with a whitening solution. This personalised approach helps prevent long-term sensitivity and ensures your smile remains bright and healthy.
Ready for a Brighter, Healthier Smile?
If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth, we’d be happy to help. At Pitt St Dental Centre, we’ve performed thousands of professional in-chair whitening treatments, helping our patients achieve their dream smiles without compromising their dental health.
Simply give us a call or fill out our enquiry form to schedule a consultation, and we’ll make sure your whitening experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. Pitt Street Dental Centre does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the content.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.
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