Tooth Sensitivity & Whitening Sensitivity: Why It Happens and How Phoenix Dental in Tampa Helps You Find Relief

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common concerns patients bring to Phoenix Dental in Carrollwood/Tampa. Whether it’s sensitivity to cold drinks, sweets, brushing, or whitening treatments, sensitivity is often a sign that your teeth or gums need attention — but the good news is that it’s highly treatable.

Here’s what you need to know about tooth sensitivity, whitening sensitivity, what causes them, and how we help you get long-lasting relief.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective layers of the tooth become weakened or exposed, allowing cold, heat, sweets, air, or pressure to stimulate the nerve.

You may notice discomfort when:

• Drinking cold water
• Eating sweets
• Brushing or flossing
• Eating acidic foods
• Breathing in cold air
• Whitening your teeth

Sensitivity is a sign that something deeper is going on — and we can identify the exact cause.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

1. Gum Recession (Very Common)

When gums recede, the root surface becomes exposed.

Root surfaces:

• Are not protected by enamel
• Respond strongly to temperature
• Decay more easily

Recession can be caused by brushing too hard, grinding, gum disease, or aging.

2. Enamel Wear

Caused by:

• Acidic drinks
• Grinding/clenching
• Aggressive brushing
• Erosion from reflux

Thinned enamel exposes the dentin underneath — leading to sharp sensitivity.

3. Cavities

Early cavities often feel like random cold sensitivity. Larger cavities cause lingering pain or ache.

4. Cracked Teeth

Cracks allow cold and sweets to reach the inner tooth.

Signs include:

• Sharp pain when biting
• Sensitivity that comes and goes
• Pain on release of pressure

Cracked teeth must be treated quickly to prevent fractures.

5. Old or Failing Fillings

Gaps around old fillings allow cold/sweets to leak through.

6. Recent Dental Procedures

It’s normal to have temporary sensitivity after:

• Fillings
• Deep cleanings
• Crown work
• Whitening

But long-lasting sensitivity should be checked.

How Phoenix Dental Treats Tooth Sensitivity

We tailor treatment based on the underlying cause.

1. Fluoride Varnish: Strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity quickly.
2. Desensitizing Medication or Gel: Applied in-office to calm overactive nerves.
3. Fixing Cavities or Cracked Teeth: Restorations, crowns, or bonding stabilize the tooth.
4. Treating Gum Recession: Addressing recession reduces root exposure.
5. Night Guards for Grinding

Grinding is a MAJOR cause of sensitivity due to:

• Enamel wear
• Microfractures
• Gum recession

Night guards protect enamel and reduce sensitivity.

6. Improving Brushing Technique: We review toothbrush pressure and technique — hard brushing = recession.

What Is Whitening Sensitivity?

Whitening sensitivity is temporary, caused by peroxide entering microscopic pores in the enamel and stimulating the nerve.

It is not harmful, but it can feel:

• Sharp
• Zingy
• Sudden
• Sensitive to air, cold, or sweets

It usually lasts 24–48 hours.

Why Whitening Causes Sensitivity

Peroxide opens tiny channels in the enamel (“tubules”) to break down stains.
These channels temporarily expose the tooth nerve to outside stimuli.

How Phoenix Dental Prevents Whitening Sensitivity

1. Pre-Whitening Desensitizing Treatment: We apply protective gels before whitening.
2. Custom Whitening Systems: Our whitening avoids overexposure and protects enamel.
3. Fluoride After Whitening: Helps close tubules and reduce nerve irritation.
4. Spacing Out Whitening Sessions: We design whitening plans based on your sensitivity level.
5. Avoiding OTC Whitening Strips
   Store-bought products often cause unnecessary sensitivity because:

• They are poorly fitted
• Gel spreads to gums
• They stay on too long
• They use harsh formulations

Professional whitening = safer, controlled, and gentler.

Tips to Reduce Whitening & Tooth Sensitivity at Home

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste (Sensodyne, Repair & Protect, etc.)
• Brush gently with a soft electric toothbrush
• Avoid acidic drinks (soda, lemon water)
• Rinse after coffee/wine
• Avoid whitening 48 hours before cold-weather events
• Don’t brush immediately after whitening
• Don’t over-whiten — this increases sensitivity

When Sensitivity Is NOT Normal

Call us if you experience:

• Sensitivity from hot foods/drinks
• Pain that lingers more than 30 seconds
• Spontaneous toothache without eating
• Sensitivity only on one tooth
• Pain when biting
• Sensitivity that progresses over weeks

These may indicate:

• Cracked tooth
• Cavity
• Failing filling
• Infection
• Gum disease

We can identify the exact cause quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is whitening sensitivity dangerous?

No — it’s temporary and does not damage enamel.

Does sensitivity toothpaste actually work?

Yes, but it takes 2–4 weeks of consistent use.

Can sensitivity mean I need a root canal?

If hot sensitivity or lingering pain is present, yes — it can be a nerve issue.

Is sensitivity normal after fillings?

Short-term, yes. Long-term, no.

Why Choose Phoenix Dental for Sensitivity Treatment?

• Thorough diagnosis, not guesswork
• Modern fluoride and desensitizing treatments
• High-quality whitening systems
• Personalized care for recession, cracks, and cavities
• Night guards for grinding
• Gentle techniques and honest explanations
• Long-term prevention focus

Our goal is simple: fix the cause and protect your smile.

Conclusion

Tooth sensitivity — whether from everyday triggers or whitening — is extremely common and highly treatable. At Phoenix Dental, we identify the cause, protect the enamel, calm the nerve, and give you a plan to prevent future sensitivity so you can eat, drink, and whiten your teeth comfortably.

‍Call us at (813) 419-3808 or book online to treat tooth sensitivity or whiten safely with professional care.