Can tooth whitening damage gums?

The truth is that if your treatment is done correctly with whitening splints that fit properly, you shouldn't worry about any damage or problems with your gums. However, it's not uncommon for people to experience irritation if they use trays that don't fit their custom teeth. There is some concern that teeth whitening may damage the gums. Some people report that their gums are sore and swollen after whitening their teeth.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support gum damage during this procedure. Brite whitening solutions if you want a brighter smile without many of the possible side effects. Also, if you have caps, crowns, veneers, or fillings, the bleaching solution will not work on them. The list above says a lot about the importance of a consultation (before any teeth whitening procedure).

In extreme cases of soft tissue irritation from the bleaching solution, bleeding and pain may occur in the gum tissue. Once again, we recommend talking to your dentist before following this route, as prolonged exposure to bleaching agents could lead to gum disease or permanent damage.

Tooth whitening

(or oral hygiene) products for home use (in the European Union) cannot contain more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (or equivalent amounts of carbamide peroxide). The ADA also advises patients to discuss with their dentists which whitening procedure is best for them.

But while teeth whitening is quite common these days, many people accidentally expose their gums to whitening agents that can cause long-term damage or, at least, short-term discomfort. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recommends the use of custom trays provided by your dentist for the safest and most efficient teeth whitening procedure at home. A Cochrane study found that gum irritation is one of two common problems when using teeth whiteners with a higher concentration of bleaching agents. If you decide to use over-the-counter whitening strips, make sure to trim them to fit your teeth.

If you don't monitor yourself while using whitening strips, you could burn your gums or develop white spots on your gums. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your gums if you want to whiten your teeth and improve the look of your smile.

Ernest Oesterling
Ernest Oesterling

Web maven. Lifelong bacon ninja. Total food junkie. Unapologetic travel fan. Certified zombie evangelist.