Moderate burns typically heal in 3 to 7 days. Swelling and discomfort should ease, and white patches will fade with gentle oral care.
If you apply these whitening products too generously, too often, or for too long, you can develop chemical burns on your gums. Thankfully, gum tissue can heal from burn injuries in a matter of days. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and inflammation.
Saltwater rinses will help relieve discomfort during recovery. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can dull the irritation or burning feeling. If your burns seem severe, become inflamed, or cause you concern in any way, it's a good idea to visit your dentist's office.
When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.
Depending on size and severity, discomfort from a mouth burn should lessen within two to three days. The wound itself should heal within a week. If you have a burned mouth that isn't healed after a week, or if pain persists, you should consider calling a dental professional.
Minor traumas, like soft tissue injuries, may heal in less than one week. Tooth trauma typically heals in about four to six weeks unless damage reaches your tooth pulp.
Indulging in a cool beverage can feel soothing to these burns. If you drink milk, the liquid will coat your mouth as you consume it as well, adding further relief for a burn. You might also want to stick to snacks that are creamy, smooth, or chilled to relieve discomfort rather than aggravate it.
The amount of damage to the skin depends on how strong the chemical was, how much of it was on the skin, and how long it was there. Chemical burns, even minor ones, can be very painful. A minor burn may heal within a few days. But a more serious burn may take weeks or even months to heal completely.
Why Did My Gums Turn White After Using Peroxide? Peroxide is very strong and can cause chemical burns on the skin if left on for too long. If you do notice white patches on your gums after using peroxide, make sure to rinse with plenty of water and apply cold compresses as soon as possible.
At-home treatment for mild chemical burns
Some home remedies include: Cool (not cold) compresses applied in 5- to 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Antibiotic ointments to help prevent infection. Pure aloe vera gel to help reduce inflammation, promote circulation and kill bacteria.
Step 3: Swish with Salt Water
At some point in your life a doctor or wise relative probably advised you to gargle with salt water to help you get over a sore throat. That same technique works well as a remedy for sore gums, discomfort from a recent dental procedure, and to ease the pain of a burned tongue or mouth.
The time it takes for sore gums to return to normal varies depending on the cause. For most cases, such as poor brushing technique or simple injury – the gums should take around 10 days to heal. However, your gums can start to feel better within a few days too – but fully healing over a week or so.
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.
Instead, use commonly available bacitracin or neomycin-based ointments. If suffering from a more severe burn, consider using silver-based anti-septic gels or ointments, like those used in burn centers to keep burn patients safe from infection.
If you can properly manage the symptoms, your gums should heal within four to six weeks. Contact us at So Good Dental if you need more clarification or have an oral health issue; we would love to help you.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide isn't just great for first aid. It's also an excellent natural remedy for receding gum tissue. It can also help treat swollen and sore gums too. Not to mention that it can also whiten your teeth a bit.
Blanching and Minor Gum Irritation
Blanching is when the gums turn white and possibly even sting a little after a teeth whitening treatment, particularly with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Blanching is normal and usually goes away in 5-20 minutes. Rinse your mouth well.
If you notice you have dry mouth when you wake up in the mornings, you might sleep with your mouth open. You can discuss ways to address this sleeping habit that could harm your oral health with your dentist. They may recommend putting petroleum jelly on your gums so that they can stay hydrated.
Types of Chemical Burns
Partial thickness or second-degree burns extend into the second layer of skin called the dermis. You may have blisters and swelling, and it may leave scars. Full thickness or third-degree burns go through the skin and may damage tissue underneath. The area may look black or white.
And while you may have heard to apply butter or toothpaste to ease the sting of a burn, it's not recommended. Do apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the burn up to three times per day. The jelly creates a waterproof layer that protects the skin as it heals. Don't pop blisters, if any appear.
Most small lesions heal well, but larger wounds often do not heal and can develop into scars. Hydrofluoric acid burns have typically been associated with loss of digits. Chemical injuries to the eye are the most serious, resulting in severe scarring and permanent loss of vision.
How do I heal a sore on my gum? To heal a gum sore, a person should consider rinsing with warm salt water, using an oral numbing gel, avoiding irritating foods, and using antibacterial mouthwash. If the sore persists, a person should consult a dentist.
Green Tea. For centuries, green tea has been consumed to decrease swelling and prevent gum disease, but it can also help restore gum tissue through new growth, making it an important aid and treatment after gums have receded.