Cosmetic Dentists: The 7 Best At-Home Ways To Whiten Sensitive Teeth

Our teeth seem to lose a bit more luster every year, dimming our smile and confidence. And while whitening and brightening our teeth is a relatively simple and oftentimes, low-cost process, the sting that it can bring on for people with sensitive teeth can have us hesitant to try it. Luckily, there are teeth whitening for sensitive teeth products on the market that are more likely to work without creating the pesky zaps and zings that those of us with sensitive teeth are way too familiar with. That means they can take years off your look — pain-free.

What causes teeth yellowing

Throughout our 40s, most yellowing is due to a buildup of surface stains from things like berries, coffee and wine, explains Lana Rozenberg, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. Once we hit 50, the surface enamel on teeth starts to weaken, Dr. Rozenberg explains, allowing stains to seep into the “cracks.” By the time 60 rolls around, as enamel erodes, it exposes dentin, the gray or yellow layer under the tooth’s surface. This leads to dull discoloration, plus makes teeth more prone to sensitivity ­— the sharp zings we get when we eat or drink something hot or cold. And that means the more intense whitening methods we used in the past can be too painful now. 

What causes teeth sensitivity — and how does whitening worsen it?

During whitening, there are little tubes inside our teeth that “open up” and allow for the whitening product like hydrogen peroxide to travel toward the nerves of the teeth with much more ease than normal, explains Lawrence Fung, DDS, of Silicon Beach Dental in Culver City, California. This can manifest in what he calls a “slight pain, which is the zing, like when you eat or drink something cold.” 

If your teeth are sensitive to begin with, you’re more prone to sensitivity during whitening. “Some of the main culprits in teeth sensitivity include gum recession (usually from brushing improperly) and lost enamel due to overzealous brushing or acid erosion,” explains Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. “People who grind and clench their teeth can cause hypersensitivity due to chipped/damaged enamel. Lastly, people who have cavities and extensive dental work like deep fillings and crowns can have a lot of sensitivity.” 

The amount of birthday candles on your cake can be a factor too. Dr. Kosdon explains that not only do our gums typically recede over the years, but “from normal wear and tear, teeth get shorter over time as the enamel slowly wears away, exposing dentin which is the yellowish color material directly beneath the protective enamel.” The whitening result? Ouch.

Related: Dentists Finally Settle the Debate on Using Mouthwash Before or After Brushing

The best teeth whitening for sensitive teeth products

Is it safe to whiten with sensitivity?

For mild cases of sensitivity, it’s generally considered safe to whiten occasionally — though it’s smart to check with your dentist just in case. 

“For sensitive teeth, there are two options: either whiten at home with a low-concentration over-the-counter white strip system or do an in-office treatment,” says Dr. Fung. Some may want to go the in-office route. Dr. Dalit Yadegaran, DMD, also of Silicon Beach Dental, says, “If you have gum recession, in-office whitening is recommended because your dentist will place a barrier over the areas of exposed root structure. A downside to at-home whitening is that unless the strips or trays are custom-molded to your teeth, the strips and trays are made off a generic template which doesn’t account for gum recession, which may leave you with more sensitivity.” 

However, if your dentist clears you for an at-home treatment, Dr. Kosdon points out that looking for gentle products marked for sensitive teeth can be a better way to go, as they often have lower concentrations of the ingredients known to cause sensitivity like hydrogen peroxide. He adds, “You can try using the at-home products every other day and for less time to minimize the sensitivity.” Dr. Yadegaran agrees, explaining she recommends to her patients that with whitening products “moderation is key.” For example, she says, “It’s best to use a whitening toothpaste for the few days leading up to an event, and a non-whitening toothpaste for the rest of the week.”  

What are the best at-home whiteners for sensitive teeth?

According to our experts and user reviews, these are the best options out there for people who want a DIY brighter smile without the agony:

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