You must have heard people advise you on how it is unsafe to go for teeth whitening if you have sensitive gums. Well, dental care experts have a lot of tricks up their sleeves, so do not delay getting the smile of your dreams just because of this. Stay with us until the end to learn how to protect your sensitive gums during teeth whitening.
Talk to Experts
Before making the final call, consult your dentist first. They will ask you to visit for a detailed oral cavity examination. The appointment will include taking X-rays and addressing existing dental issues, like cavities. Treating beforehand prevents complications after the whitening process. Also, deep dental cleaning with whitening yields optimal results.
- Ask Your Dentist for Recommendations
You can share what you want to get with your dentist, but the decision will be made after they assess your dental health to know which method is most suitable for you. Moreover, they will also guide gum protection during the process. - Follow Instructions from Your Dentist for the Best Results
To achieve optimal results and ensure gum safety, heed your dentist’s recommendations. They may suggest an in-office treatment where they oversee gum protection during the procedure. In such cases, a potent solution combined with laser technology accelerates the whitening process. Alternatively, your dentist might recommend at-home treatments like whitening strips or custom-fitted bleaching trays.
Protecting Gums during At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments
If you opt for an “at-home” whitening treatment, here’s how to save your gums from burning and turning white due to whitening chemicals.
- Custom-Designed Trays
Ask your dentist to provide you with custom-designed bleaching trays, not the one that fits all. Usually, standard trays do not sit perfectly in your mouth; this leads the bleaching agent toward your gums, causing irritation and burning. - Trim Whitening Strips
Since whitening strips are bulk produced, they are typically larger in size. Therefore, hold the strips up to your teeth and cut excess material to cover your teeth only, not your gums. - Apply Desensitizing Gel
If you already have gum sensitivity, put a desensitizing gel on them before using the whitening product. Talk to your dentist to get the right gel and instructions for use. Usually, it is applied a few minutes before starting the whitening treatment. - Remove Excess Solution
Once you apply bleaching trays or strips on the teeth, wipe off the excess gel from your gums immediately with the help of a tissue. This helps prevent chemical burns and reduces gum irritation.
Tips to Deal with Gum and Teeth Sensitivity
Here’s what to do if you develop gum sensitivity.
- Special Toothpaste
There are various types of toothpaste available on the market. Choose the one specifically designed for sensitive gums and teeth. They contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate that desensitizes gums and teeth, reducing irritation. - Low-concentration of Whitening Agent
When the concentration of the whitening solution is too strong, you may end up with burnt gums that turn white. Opt for a lower concentration for your next treatment.
Closing Note
To learn more about our whitening treatment, contact dental care experts from Briar Forest Dental Group at (713) 784-4430. We will be more than happy to set you up an appointment.