Teeth whitening - sensitive teeth

[TheExtraGuineaPig]

I would love to have my teeth whitened but I have quite sensitive teeth (managed fine with sensodyne) and won't do it if it's going to cause problems in that area. I don't know the first thing about it - does anyone have any experience, recommendations or warnings? I would prefer to pay more for good results than bits go for cheapest option. Thanks!

I'm a dentist. It can be sensitive even if done professionally by a dentist/hygienist

I had terrible sensitivity after using Crest Whitestrips but later used the Gentle Routine ones with a good sensitive toothpaste and they were fine.

I'd avoid it if you have sensitive teeth. My dentist (who is amazing) did Zoom whitening to my teeth and until I was having it done, I had no idea that my teeth were sensitive. Holy f**k! I was having shooting pains right up my jaw as I was walking home afterwards - it hurt so much that I stopped walking at times. Yes, the results were great but I would never put myself through that again. I have quite a high pain threshold but it was too much.

If you do decide to go ahead, I'd definitely make sure you do it under a dentist's supervision rather than doing it at home.

A good scale and polish or air flow clean if you have any stains. Then sensitive whitening toothpaste.

Thanks everyone.. I don't have stains, in fact my teeth are pretty good - I'd just like that shiny white look! Perhaps I'll give it a miss, it wouldn't be worth actual pain