Whitening strips are making my teeth hurt. is this normal or should i stop using them?

Stop: Stop using the strips asap, after checking with your dentist that there is decay or recession of your gums, you may need a desenzitizer to help with the sensitivity before starting the strips again.

Yes: You need to see a dentist to find out why they are sensitive. Bleaching does commonly cause sensitivity. Just make sure it is from bleaching and not decay.

Not unusual.: Whitening strips are known to cause significant sensitivity in the teeth and/or gums. I have never seen any true damage done by these strips, but the sensitivity can be so severe that you cannot even breathe through your mouth. I would recommend stopping the strips and use a desensitizing toothpaste until the sensitivity is gone. Then consider a system offered by your dentist for less sensitivity.

It is normal: It is normal to have sensitivity in teeth after whitening. Not everyone has sensitivity, but if you do, try using the product every other day and using a Fluoride gel in between uses.

Yes: It is one of the side effects.

Yes: Bleaching can cause temporary sensitivity. However, frequent or prolonged sensitivity can become permanent. Ask your dentist, but often there are ways to help protect and desensitize teeth before, during, and after bleaching. Fluoride and sensitivity toothpastes are highly recommended.

Stop: If the discomfort is severe discontinue using the whitening product. Use sensodyne toothpaste for 2-3 weeks then try restarting the whitening process. If sensitivity persists then the process may not be for you.

Yes: Stop , use sensodyne for 2 weeks and resume. You may want to do it every other day.

Discuss with dentist: Before any whitening technique is used, your dentist should always be consulted. First to make sure that you have no cavities or defective fillings and that your gums are healthy. Secondly to discuss what methods are best and how to use them.

Sensitivity: Sensitivity can happen during the lightening process but this is something that you should have checked by a dentist. There can be sensitive where there is decay or gum recession. Get checked. Sensodyne can help with the sensitivity in the short term.