How to Stop Tooth Sensitivity from Whitening Strips (And Why It Happens)

I used Crest whitening strips for the first time in months, and the next thing I knew, I couldn’t sip cold water without wincing. Even breathing through my mouth felt weirdly painful. It wasn’t just annoying — it kind of freaked me out.

I know I’m not the only one who’s had this reaction, so I wanted to write up what actually helped me get through it. If you’re dealing with the same thing, hopefully this saves you some trial and error.

So Why Do Whitening Strips Cause Sensitivity?

Short version? The peroxide in the strips can temporarily weaken your enamel and expose the nerves underneath. That’s what causes the zinging pain when you drink something cold or even talk too much in dry air.

What Helped Me (And Might Help You Too)

I’m not a dentist, but here’s what worked for me after three brutal days of sensitive teeth:

• Switched to a soft toothbrush and brushed slower
• Used toothpaste for sensitivity (like Sensodyne)
• Cut out cold drinks, citrus, and soda for a few days
• Took a break from whitening for a week
• Started supporting my gums and enamel with a supplement (more on that below)
  

The Supplement That Actually Helped My Mouth Feel Normal Again

After talking with a hygienist friend, I decided to try a supplement designed to support gum health and enamel. I was skeptical at first, but it honestly made a difference. My teeth didn’t feel as sensitive, and my breath even felt fresher.

If you're curious, here’s the one I used — I still take it daily now because it just works:

Try This Gum + Enamel Support Formula

Should You Tough It Out or Pause Whitening?

If your teeth hurt badly, I’d say pause the strips. Whitening shouldn’t make you feel miserable. Give your mouth time to recover — the results will still be there later, and your enamel will thank you.

Final Thoughts

Tooth sensitivity from whitening is more common than people admit. Don’t beat yourself up for it. With a little patience (and maybe some support from the right products), you’ll be back to normal pretty fast.

Hope this helped — and if your teeth are still yelling at you, maybe skip the ice water for now 😉