Comments on: What is the physiology/biology behind tooth pain/sensitivity when whitening/bleaching?

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:21:59 +0000

The active ingredient in virtually all tooth whitening products is Hydrogen Peroxide. The peroxide is caustic and can produce sensitivities as is oxidizes and bleaches the underlying dentin in your tooth.

If the gel gets on the gums and/or sensitive areas – for example dental restorations – it may be more painful. About 4% of people have high sensitivities to Peroxide solutions in the latest research. The good news is that the pain will quickly go away and is a temporary effect of the oxidizing process.
References :
http://www.smartahealth.com/is_tooth_whitening_safe.html

By: thuckabeedds

thuckabeedds — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:09:59 +0000

Carbamide Peroxide the active product is slowly broken down to Hydrogen Peroxide which whitens the teeth. The 16% gel whitens more slowly but causes less tooth sensitivity. The 22% gel whitens quickly but can cause temporary sensitivity to temperatures. Both the 16% and 22% gels need to be worn for about 10-14 days to achieve maximum whiteness. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel prisms of the tooth an removes biofilm this "opening of the pores" next to the pulp of the tooth causes an increase in sensitivity althoughth here has never been any long term harm to the tooth or pulp(nerve)

The ultimate whiteness will be determined by the length of time the teeth are exposed to the whitening gel and the mineral composition of the teeth. Teeth whitening is kind of like a reverse suntan. Some people get great results in only one or two days while others need more treatment time.
References :
http://www.ultra-white.com

By: mibale

mibale — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:54:59 +0000

Irrespective of the method adopted, you need to understand that you are using a bleach formula on your teeth, which can be uncomfortable if used in a improper manner.

The intensity of reaction to any teeth whitening method depends on 3 things

Genetics, Bleach Stability and Acidic reaction.

The minute dentinal tubules inside the teeth consists of a fluid and the movement of these fluids is what causes sensitivity. Usually the outer holes of these tubules are plugged by the Saliva. However the bleaching agents tend to dissolve these plugs and thereby causing the fluids to move inside the tubules and cause sensitivity.

For a more detailed information on the Teeth sensitivity and its remedies, please do go through the source link below;
References :
http://www.teethwhiteningreviews.com/artman/publish/teeth-whitening-sensitivity.php

By: Stompy

Stompy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:29:59 +0000

Along with what the others said, bleaching your teeth also dehydrates your dentin, which causes a whiter appearance and can also irritate your teeth.
References :
dental school

By: Dentist Joe

Dentist Joe — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:53:59 +0000

The whitening gels normally have some kind of peroxide in them which is an irritant to the nerves of the teeth. It is this which makes the teeth white but also makes them sensitive. My advice to you would be to stop bleaching if they get very sensitive. I often tell patients to put a small amount of toothpaste in their bleaching trays every other night to desensitize the teeth. It's unlikely there will be any long lasting damage so long as your not foolish and continue to bleach your teeth when they really hurt.
References :

By: Janet T

Janet T — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:13:59 +0000

you are right about that pain is telling you to give it a rest,
usually the bleaching agents are acidic, and it will penetrate the enamel,
there are different type of whitening agents and you should talk to your dentist,
who can show you things you can do to lessen the pain, as well as protect your teeth
and still allow you to whiten your teeth properly
References :
dental