“Using teeth whitening strips is causing a burning sensation. Is this normal?”
I just got my braces off after two years. I often use teeth whitening strips, which is now leaving me with a sharp burning sensation. Is this normal?
12 Answers
OrthodontistTeethWhitening
Teeth are generally sensitive after taking the braces off. This sensitivity can last about 6 weeks. If you are planning on whitening your teeth I would recommend professional whitening by your dentist or Orthodontist. It can be a take home kit or done in the office. Professional whitening will last you a lot longer and will be more effective possibly with a lot less irritation.
It is not unusual for the teeth to be more sensitive immediately after braces are removed. It is a good idea to use a fluoride rinse for the first week or two. Start the whitening after a couple weeks and limit wearing the strips to no more than 1-2 hours.
Yes, sometimes whitening teeth can lead to this sensation. The question I have is, is the sensation coming from your gums or from the teeth themselves? If it is the gum tissue, you should take care to avoid any contact of the strips to the gums to avoid this direct contact of the whitening agent, which can indeed irritate and burn the tissue. If you are not sure whether it is your teeth or your gums, or if you think it is your teeth, I do not recommend that you continue to use them without first consulting your dentist to ensure that you are safe in applying the strips.
Sounds like your teeth could benefit from some fluoride treatment. Ask your orthodontist or dentist about getting some Prevident and/or fluoride trays.
You should read the directions and warnings on the strips. You will find that not only are the symptoms you describe covered and warned about, but there are more severe symptoms such as sensitivity of the teeth also a possibility. The braces have no relationship to the symptoms you are experiencing created by the bleaching affects of the strips.
Before proceeding with any over the counter whitening treatment, you should consult with your general dentist first to ensure you do not have any pre-existing conditions that could worsen with this treatment. I would suggest discontinuing the treatment and resume only after consulting your dentist first.
Peroxides can burn some peoples gum tissues or cause sensitivity. Go slower or use a whitening with lower percentage of peroxide.
No. See your dentist or ortho.
You may be using them too often or be having a reaction to the whitening agent. See your dentist for advice and perhaps a different, milder bleaching method.
Teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity. I would recommend speaking to your primary care dentist during your next recare (6 month check up) to determine what is causing the sensitivity. Hope this helps...Dr.B.
Whitening strips should not cause a burning sensation if used correctly. Are the strips touching your gum tissue? If so, this is not advised and it can cause discomfort. Sensitive desensitizing toothpastes might help with some of the sensitivity you are experiencing. If this continues I would suggest seeing your general dentist for a follow up.
Some people are more sensitive than others to bleach. I would not use it if it’s causing discomfort.
