Sensitive Teeth: What You need to Know

Saturday 8 February 2025

Worried about sensitive teeth and teeth whitening? You’re not alone! Many people experience temporary sensitivity after professional teeth whitening, but with the right treatment, you can achieve a brighter smile safely and comfortably. Learn about the causes of sensitivity, how our treatments protect your enamel, and why Smile Labs Sydney is the go-to choice for safe teeth whitening treatments in Sydney, Parramatta, and Penrith.

One of the most common questions we hear at Smile Labs Sydney is: "Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?" It’s a valid concern, especially for those who already experience discomfort from receding gums or enamel loss. The good news? While some sensitivity is normal after a professional whitening session, it’s temporary, manageable, and completely safe with the right care.

Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive After Whitening?

During a teeth whitening treatment, the active ingredients in the whitening gel break down stains and penetrate the enamel. This process temporarily exposes the tiny tubules in your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity for 24-48 hours. But don’t worry—this is normal and does not cause permanent damage to your enamel.

How to Minimise Sensitivity During Teeth Whitening

At Smile Labs Sydney, we understand that everyone’s teeth react differently to whitening treatments. That’s why we offer flexible session lengths to cater to your needs. If you’re worried about sensitivity, consider these options:

✔ Shorter Whitening Sessions: We offer 1-hour, 45-minute, 30-minute, and 15-minute treatments so you can find what works best for you.
✔ Desensitising Gel: Ask our team about additional desensitising options to make the experience even more comfortable.
✔ Use Sensitive Toothpaste: Using a fluoride-rich, desensitising toothpaste like Sensodyne before and after your treatment can help.
✔ Avoid Hot & Cold Drinks Post-Treatment: For the first 48 hours, stick to room-temperature drinks to prevent sensitivity flare-ups.

Will Whitening Damage My Enamel?

One of the biggest myths about teeth whitening is that it damages enamel. The truth? Our professional teeth whitening treatments in Sydney are designed to lift stains without harming your teeth’s natural structure. Staining happens due to food, drinks, and lifestyle choices—our treatment simply removes these stains, restoring your teeth’s natural brightness.

Can People with Sensitive Teeth Still Whiten Their Teeth?

Absolutely! Many of our clients, including those with naturally sensitive teeth, have had successful whitening treatments with minimal discomfort. The key is choosing a professional teeth whitening clinic that prioritises safety and comfort—like Smile Labs Sydney!

Book Your Safe & Effective Teeth Whitening Session

At Smile Labs Sydney, we take every step to ensure a pain-free and effective teeth whitening experience. Whether you’re in Parramatta, Penrith, or looking for the best teeth whitening in Sydney, we’ve got you covered.

Reserve your session now at reserve.smilelabs.sydney and get the bright, confident smile you deserve!

A radiant smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression, but maintaining those pearly whites can be a challenge. While practicing good oral hygiene is essential, it's also crucial to be mindful of what you consume. Certain foods and beverages have the potential to stain your teeth over time. In this blog post, we'll delve into some common culprits, including coffee, tea, red wine, and specific fruits and vegetables, and explore how you can protect your smile while still enjoying them. Coffee Coffee lovers, beware! That morning cup of joe might be a comforting ritual, but it's also one of the leading contributors to teeth staining. Coffee contains compounds called tannins that can adhere to tooth enamel, gradually causing discoloration. To minimize staining, consider drinking your coffee through a straw or swishing your mouth with water after consumption.= Tea Tea, both black and herbal varieties, can stain teeth due to their tannin content, similar to coffee. Green tea, while healthier in many aspects, can also contribute to staining over time. Opt for lighter tea options or use a straw to reduce direct contact with your teeth. Red Wine That glass of red wine at dinner may be delightful, but it's notorious for staining teeth. The dark pigments in red wine, along with its acidity, can erode enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to staining. You can mitigate this effect by drinking water between sips or considering a switch to white wine. Fruits and Vegetables While fruits and vegetables are generally healthy, some can stain teeth due to their vibrant colors and high acidity. Blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, and beets are examples of foods that can potentially stain your teeth. Enjoy them in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene practices.

How to Protect Your Teeth:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Regular brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent stains from setting in. Be diligent about your dental care routine. Drink Water Sipping water while consuming staining foods and beverages helps wash away pigments and reduces their contact with your teeth. Use a Straw When possible, use a straw to consume staining beverages, directing them past your teeth to minimize contact. Chew Sugarless Gum Chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva production which naturally helps cleanse the teeth and prevent staining. Professional Teeth Cleaning Schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings to remove surface stains and keep your smile bright. Maintaining a white smile while enjoying coffee, tea, red wine, and colorful fruits and vegetables is entirely possible with some simple precautions and good oral hygiene practices. By being mindful of what you consume and following these tips, you can preserve your radiant smile and confidently share it with the world.