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Teeth whitening can make your smile look brighter, but sometimes, it can lead to problems like burned gums. When the whitening gel touches your gums, it causes irritation or even burns. The good news is that there are ways to treat burned gums and prevent it from happening again. Let’s learn what to do and how to protect your gums during teeth whitening.
Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening
Burned gums from teeth whitening are common. Whitening products with strong chemicals like hydrogen peroxide can irritate your gums and cause redness, swelling, or white, sore spots. If you notice these symptoms after whitening, your gums may have been burned by the gel. Still, there are steps you can take to heal them. Some signs of burned gums include:
- Redness or swelling
- Soreness or pain
- White patches on the gums
- Sensitivity when eating or drinking
What to Do if Teeth Whitening Burns Gums?
If teeth whitening burns your gums, it can be painful and frustrating. But there are general steps you can take to soothe the discomfort. Here’s what to do if teeth whitening burns your gums:
- Rinse your mouth with water to remove any whitening gel.
- Stop using whitening products until gums heal.
- Apply a cold compress which reduces swelling and soothes pain.
- Contact your dentist if the burn is severe or pain persists.
Chemical Burns on Gums from Teeth Whitening
Chemical burns occur when whitening gel contacts your gums and turns them white and feel tender. The tissue may peel in severe cases. Follow the product instructions closely and use a protective barrier, like a dental dam or Vaseline, to keep the gel off your gums.
Peroxide Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening
The whitening gel can cause irritation and even chemical burns when it contacts the gum. When peroxide burns your gums, you might notice the following symptoms:
- The affected area may turn white due to the peroxide’s effects on the gum tissue.
- The surrounding areas can become red and swollen.
- You may feel discomfort, tenderness, or a burning sensation.
- In more severe cases, small blisters or sores may develop.
- Don’t overfill whitening trays to prevent the gel from spilling onto your gums.
- Follow instructions carefully to avoid leaving the gel on too long.
How to Heal Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening?
Healing burned gums from teeth whitening requires time and proper care. Here are some steps to help speed up the healing process:
- Pause whitening treatments until your gums heal; switch to sensitive toothpaste.
- To cleanse and reduce bacteria, rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times a day.
- Apply aloe vera or vitamin E gel gently to soothe the burned area.
- Use a cold compress in 10-15 minute intervals to reduce swelling and numb pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for discomfort.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; avoid hot, cold, or acidic drinks.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt and soup; avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush; use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Apply healing ointments like oral gels to protect the area.
- Gums should heal in a few days. Contact your dentist if symptoms persist or worsen.
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How Long Does it Take for Gums to Heal after Teeth Whitening?
The healing time for gums after a burn from teeth whitening varies based on the severity of the burn. Below is a timeline to help you understand the recovery process:
Mild Irritation (1-3 Days)
- Redness, slight tenderness, or minor swelling.
- Mild gum irritation usually heals within 1 to 3 days with proper care.
Moderate Burns (3-7 Days)
- White patches on the gums, noticeable soreness, and sensitivity.
- Moderate burns typically heal in 3 to 7 days. Swelling and discomfort should ease, and white patches will fade with gentle oral care.
Severe Burns (1-2 Weeks)
- Severe pain, significant white or sloughing patches, and gum tissue damage.
- Severe burns may take 1 to 2 weeks to heal and might need prescribed ointments or medicated rinses.
How to Protect Gums During Teeth Whitening at Home?
Protecting your gums during at-home teeth whitening can prevent burns and irritation. Here’s how to do it:
- Apply Vaseline or a protective barrier to your gums before using whitening gel.
- Follow product instructions to avoid overuse.
- Don’t overfill whitening trays, as excess gel can irritate gums.
- Whitening strips are a safer option as they avoid gum contact.
- Stick to the recommended whitening time to prevent damage to teeth and gums.
Conclusion
Burned gums from teeth whitening can be painful, but with good maintenance, they can heal quickly. If your gums get burned, it’s important to stop whitening treatments and take steps to soothe them. Whether you’re whitening your teeth at home or considering professional dental treatment, protecting your gums should always be a top priority. A healthy smile starts with healthy gums.
FAQs
Does gum bleaching go away?
Gum bleaching from whitening gel usually goes away as the gums heal, but if the damage is severe, you’d better visit the best dental clinic in Ahwatukee.
Can I put Vaseline on my gums?
Yes, you can apply Vaseline to your gums before teeth whitening to create a protective barrier.
Can white gums turn pink again?
Yes, with proper care, white gums caused by burns can heal and return to their normal pink color.
