How to Treat Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening procedures brighten up your smile, but they can also irritate your gums. If it happens, stop the treatment immediately and rinse your mouth with saltwater to soothe inflamed, tender gums.

Both at-home and professional treatments may cause this side effect. Almost all treatments contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that removes stains. However, they can also affect soft tissues when the whitening gel comes in direct contact with the gums.

Treatment for Gum Burns Caused by Dental Whitening

The moment you feel a burning sensation, stop the treatment so it doesn’t get worse. Also, discontinue using any bleaching products until your gums heal. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with lukewarm water to clean the area before treatment.

Saltwater Rinses

Rinse your mouth with saltwater at least three to four times a day. It has a soothing effect and reduces swelling.

Cold Compression

For 10 to 15 minutes, apply cold compression to your cheek to numb pain and reduce gum inflammation. You can also use an ice pack for this purpose.

Numbing Oral Gels

You can use numbing oral gels on burned gums to soothe inflammation and relieve pain. Aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil are also effective home remedies that help in healing gum burns after whitening treatment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Killers

For gum burn pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. It reduces inflammation and helps manage pain.

Aftercare and Prevention

The treatment can cause mild gum irritation, which is normal and doesn’t last longer than 1 to 3 days. However, aftercare is still important for smooth healing and quick recovery. Eat soft, lukewarm food and avoid spicy, acidic, crunchy, or very hot or cold food, as they can irritate sore gums. Brush your teeth gently and use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a while.

You can prevent whitening gel or chemical burns on your gums by using a custom-fitted tray. An ill-fitting tray can cause the bleaching gel to leak and may burn your gums. If gel touches your gums, wipe it away immediately. Use a gel with a lower concentration of bleaching agent and take breaks between sessions. In case of severe irritation, swelling, redness, or peeling gums, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Gum burns are usually caused by direct contact with whitening gel, overusing or misusing the product, or using a higher concentration. Mild irritation improves with proper care within a few days. If the gel severely burns your gums, follow home care treatment steps, and if the symptoms don’t improve, get it checked by a dentist.

FAQs

• Is it concerning if gums turn white after teeth whitening?

White patches on gums are temporary and occur due to chemical irritation. They normally settle within 24 to 48 hours.

• Should I continue whitening if my gums are irritated?

No, wait until your gums heal before continuing the treatment.

• How to soothe gum soreness after teeth whitening?

Rinse your mouth with saltwater frequently, apply cold compression, and avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the healing soft tissues.

• How long do burned gums from teeth whitening take to heal?

Mild irritation goes away in 2 to 3 days, but severe burns may take up to 1 to 2 weeks for full recovery.