Can You Whiten Your Teeth If They Are Sensitive?

Short answer

Yes. Pick a whitening gel made with desensitizing ingredients, start at a lower strength, and prepare your teeth with a sensitivity toothpaste for two weeks beforehand, as Philips advises. Any sensitivity from whitening is usually temporary, according to the American Dental Association.

Which whitening gels are made for sensitive teeth?

• Opalescence Go: Ultradent states it contains PF, potassium nitrate and fluoride. Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity, and fluoride to strengthen enamel.
• Philips Zoom NiteWhite: Philips states the gel contains potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride for comfort, and is designed to prevent sensitivity caused by whitening.
• Philips Zoom DayWhite ACP: made with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and potassium nitrate. Philips states that fluoride and ACP help strengthen and protect enamel.

Should you start with a lower strength?

Yes, if your teeth are sensitive. The American Dental Association notes that lower concentrations of peroxide resulted in less tooth sensitivity, and lists contact time as a factor too. NiteWhite 16% is the gentler of the two NiteWhite strengths. See NiteWhite 16% vs 22%.

Should you use sensitivity toothpaste before whitening?

Yes. Philips advises people with sensitive teeth to use a sensitivity-prevention toothpaste every day for two weeks before starting. A 2021 review of 24 studies found that using potassium nitrate before whitening gave a 12% lower risk of sensitivity, and lower intensity, without affecting how much the teeth whitened.

What helps after whitening?

GC MI Paste is made for it. GC lists sensitivity before and after whitening among its uses. See how to use MI Paste after whitening.

What if your teeth still feel sensitive?

Take a break. The American Dental Association's consumer site says you can delay treatment, then try again, and that in most cases the sensitivity is temporary. When you resume, try a shorter wear time or a lower strength.

Sources and evidence

• American Dental Association, "Whitening" (updated 2022): concentration and contact time.
• American Dental Association, MouthHealthy, "Teeth Whitening": temporary sensitivity, pausing.
• Martini and colleagues, Clinical Oral Investigations (2021): potassium nitrate before whitening, 24 studies.
• Ultradent, Opalescence Go product information: potassium nitrate and fluoride.
• Philips, Zoom NiteWhite and DayWhite product information and whitening gel FAQ: ingredients, sensitivity toothpaste before a course.
• GC America, MI Paste product information: listed uses.

Related questions

Should you brush your teeth before whitening?
Yes. See the full answer.

Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Research has not shown lasting damage when used as directed. See the full answer.

How long does Opalescence Go 15% take to work?
15 to 20 minutes a day for 5 to 10 days. See the full answer.

Relevant products

General information only, not dental advice.