I am wondering if it’s normal to feel extreme sensitivity after getting Zoom whitening done? I had my appointment yesterday. During the last round of treatment I starting noticing my teeth felt tingly. When I woke up, they are even more tingly than before. When I mentioned this to the dentist yesterday, he told me it is normal and usually lasts for a couple days afterwards. Have you heard of this?

– Jess in Missouri

Jess,

Sensitivity is common with Zoom whitening and really any kind of teeth whitening treatment. The peroxide is what most whitening products contain and it can cause sensitivity. In most cases, the sensitivity or “tingling” will subside in a week at the most.

If after two weeks, you still have the tingling sensation you are describing, make sure you contact your dentist and make an appointment to be seen. There may be other issues that need to be addressed. Sometimes extreme sensitivity may indicate a cavity, receding of the gums, or exposed dentin. These issues would have likely have existed prior to the Zoom whitening but may have been aggravated or worsened from the whitening agents and chemicals in the formulas.

Try not to worry too much about it. The sensitivity almost always goes away on its own. Over the counter toothpastes like Sensodyne or fluoride rinses may help in the short-term.