Yes, it can but usually only temporarily. The 2 factors affecting tooth sensitivity is the concentration of the hydrogen/carbamide peroxide gel and the contact time between the gel and the teeth. The higher the concentration of the whitening gel used and/or increasing the contact time with gel and the teeth is what gives patients the increase in sensitivity. In-chair teeth whitening is commonly known to give patients “zingers” because it uses dentist only high strength 25%-38% hydrogen peroxide. Tooth contact time is only 30-60mins.
Your dentist can prescribe sensitive toothpastes, Tooth Mousse or desensitizing gels for use in custom made trays that will help relieve this transient sensitivity.