Crest White Strips - sensitive teeth?

coasterqueen wrote: I'm on my second day (today) of using the Crest Premium Plus White strips (well actually the Target brand of it) and my teeth are so sensitive. The directions said the gums and teeth can be sensitive but that it will go away. Anyone have this happen using these? I truly hope my teeth aren't sensitive for much longer.

Mommy2BAK replied: I would probably stop using them. I used to use them religiously and as soon as my teeth got sensitive I had to stop because the pain lasted quite a while and each time you do it, it may get worse.

But~ I have never tried the target brand, they may be a little different.

Maybe you could just use them every other day?

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: My dentist gave me some professional strength stuff that worked really well, but I couldn't even breathe through my mouth my teeth were so sensitive. I decided that dazzling white teeth weren't for me. I like smiling without pain. But I never tried the OTC stuff, it should be gentler. I say, call your dentist.

boyohboyohboy replied: there was a show on tv about all these teeth whitening items and it said that it actually is bad for your teeth, and it can start to remove the enamal. I have always wanted to try these products but was afraid after I saw that...
i hope the sensativity wears off, can you call your dentist and ask the person who answers the phone if the pain is normal?

Jackie012007 replied:
Ditto! I asked my dentist about teeth whitening and that is what he told me - it can break down your teeth, opening up pourous surfaces for cavities to form. Sensitive teeth is a pretty good sign that this could be happening - I'd call a dentist and stop all together if I were you!

PS: Sensodyne toothpaste works great for sensitivity - it's worth the money!!!

coasterqueen replied: I think I will call my dentist about it. He's actually the one that told me to use them before coming in and having professional whitening done. He said it's the same thing, just cheaper. I don't want really white teeth, just whiter than the yellow ones I have now.

coasterqueen replied: Bummer! I just called my dentist and he said if it's sensitive enough to where I'm aware of it all the time (which is true) then I should discontinue use immediately AND he said it's a strong indication that I would not be able to have in office whitening done because they use a bit stronger solution. I guess I'll have to live with the color of my teeth then.

Thanks again everyone for your advice on this.

ediep replied: wow! I have never used crest white strips but I wasd hesitsnt to try because I was afraid that they would make my teeth hurt.... i am so glad that I read this before trying them


sorry karen!

amynicole21 replied:
Could you try laser whiteneing? I wonder if it would cause the same issue?

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:
This is what my dentist told me too. I actually have an appt in a week to do it in office. Well not there, but they make trays in the office and send me home with the solution. He says it takes maybe three nights. I wouldn't be so trustworthy if he didn't tell me that his 12 year old daughter did it after getting her braces off. I figured her teeth would be more sensitive then mine. But we will see. I'm willing to give it a shot, especially since I just got new crowns...my real teeth need to catch up with the white crowns, kwim?

Sorry it didn't work out for you Karen. I think you have a beautiful smile!

BTW, I heard the laser whitening isn't any more effective than the strips or trays. It just costs a whole lot more plus it doesn't last, where my dentist said that the formula he gives with the trays lasts for a really long time since it's a fairly big tube...so you just have to reapply if your teeth darken up again.

Brias3 replied: Yes- when I first began them, my teeth were really sensitive, especially to cold, and just kind of achy in general. It DID go away though- I'd say about two weeks max was the length of time it lasted, and I didn't wear them everyday either.

coasterqueen replied:
Did you do it twice a day every other day then? I ask because I didn't do the strips last night and when I woke up this morning my teeth didn't ache at all. So I wonder if I should do it twice a day every other day, if that would help? AND doing it that way, do they still get whiter?

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
It DID that to me. I have a chunk missing out of one of my two front teeth, and 3 other teeth are spotted with missing enamel.