I ordered teeth whitening online and did the treatment myself. I used the gel every night for two weeks. My teeth got super white. I made the mistake of not taking a break in between. Now whenever I drink something cold, my teeth are really sensitive. It’s embarrassing to go to my dentist and have to explain what happened, so I’ve started looking for a new dentist. Can you give me some advice on how to darken my teeth and get them to be less sensitive? Thanks. Ken

Ken – It’s good that you recognize the need to do something about the sensitivity in your teeth.

When a dentist provides teeth whitening, he or she usually advises to whiten for two weeks and take a break to allow the shade of your teeth to stabilize. If after two weeks you want an even brighter smile, you can continue whitening for a week or so and wait again before you continue treatment.

It’s helpful to take a break from the bleaching gel because after you stop bleaching your teeth, the shade of your teeth will continue to lighten. It’s difficult to notice how white your teeth are getting without giving the color time to stabilize. It’s often sensitivity in teeth that alerts you to the need to stop whitening them.

What Can You Do If Your Teeth Are Too White?

1. Give it time. Over the next several months, your teeth will pick up stains from different foods and drinks, and your teeth won’t look alarmingly white. The bleaching gel lightened the natural pigmentation of your teeth, so although you’ll still have a white smile, after a few months it won’t look unnaturally white.
2. Discontinue the whitening. You’ve probably already determined that you need to discontinue whitening treatments. It’s best for your oral health.
3. Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Sensodyne or another brand of toothpaste for sensitive teeth can calm the nerves inside your teeth and reduce the sensitivity.
4. Visit a dentist. If the sensitivity continues, mention it at your next dental appointment. Your dentist will recommend treatment.
5. Don’t resume whitening without the approval of your dentist. It’s not safe to resume teeth whitening for at least several months. Your teeth should stay bright for a while. Let your dentist tell you when it is safe to whiten them again. If you damage your tooth enamel or the layers beneath it, your teeth will become weak and discolored.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Jerome Cha of Hope Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Tulsa.