I just had Zoom whitening done yesterday and my teeth are killing me. I can’t breathe, let alone eat or drink. Did they do something wrong? Why does it hurt so bad? How can I make it stop? My dentist is out of the office for the weekend and I’m seriously considering going to urgent care to see if they can help.
-Cam
Dear Cam,
What you are experiencing can be normal for someone who started out with sensitive teeth and then whitened. Thankfully, it’s temporary and manageable.
Your teeth are covered in microscopic pores or tubules. When you did the Zoom treatment, these tubules opened up to allow the whitening agent below the surface. For a few days after any whitening treatment, this will also allow anything else you expose your teeth to easy access to the inner part of your tooth, which is responsible for sensitivity and pain. This is why it’s very important to avoid things that can restain your teeth for a few days and also why some people experience varying levels of sensitivity.
Start with an over-the-counter pain reliever and keep up on it for a couple of days. Take care to breathe through your nose and not your mouth. Drink using a straw and avoid any hot or cold foods. Many patients report that using a topical fluoride rinse or paste will help reduce sensitivity, but that’s most effective when started a few days before you Zoom or whiten.
Rarely, as a result of Zoom, other whitening or other dental treatment, the pulp of the tooth will become inflamed and build up pressure within the tooth. This is known as pulpitis. Treatment for it is the same as sensitivity, but it typically lasts a little longer. You can expect relief from pulpitis within a couple of weeks.
If the pain is keeping you up at night or continues on through the weekend, place a call to your dentist. He may be able to prescribe pain medication, a desensitizing agent or a stronger fluoride gel even if he isn’t in the office.
This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.