I used crest white strips and now my teeth are in excruciating pain. What can I do?

Question

My teeth kill after using crest white strips and I will never use them again the labeling never mentioned anything about the pain I'm in ughh I took Tylenol but it's not helping I whitened them at like noon and it's now 11:37 and have been in pain all day what happened!!!

Robert Fields, DDS · Answer

Whitening strips that you can purchase over the counter can cause tooth sensitivity and pain. I would not use Tylenol. I would switch to an anti inflammatory such as Motrin or Advil. I am assured this is just transient pain and it will go away. You can also purchase Sensodyne Tooth Paste and brush with this. It will help with the sensitivity.  Am sorry for the pain and discomfort.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Thank you for asking a great question. I am sorry you have to go through this. Consider Sensodyne tooth paste for sensitive teeth. Try Ibuprofen professional straight 600mg every 4-6 hours. Stay away from acidic foods, as well as hot and cold drinks and food. Pain should subside by the morning and disappear within 72 hours. Consider seeing a dentist to rule out cavities and/or recession in the gums, which could cause this pain in the first place.All the best to you!

Mark Edington, DDS · Answer

Crest white strips and all other forms of peroxide based teeth whitening will cause sensitivity in 20 percent of users.    In my office we have found that following whitening with a mineral paste desensitizer makes the teeth stronger and less sensitive.  Take some ibuprofen if you can tolerate it and take a break from using the white strips.  Within 1-2 your tooth pain should go away.  If you decide to try whitening again in the future, you should alternate whitening with a desensitizing paste and also shorten the number of minutes your teeth are in contact with the peroxide.

I used crest white strips and now my teeth are in excruciating pain. What can I do?

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I used crest white strips and now my teeth are in excruciating pain. What can I do?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.