Types of irritation may include redness, a mild burning feeling, or white spots on the gums. In most cases, the irritation only lasts 1-2 days. If irritation persists, pause the treatment until the irritation has stopped.
The bleaching agents' teeth whitening treatments can be potent, and if they come into contact with the sensitive gum tissue, it can lead to irritation and burning sensations. It is especially true if the whitening gel is not applied properly or the tray doesn't fit snugly, allowing it to seep into the gums.
As mentioned by the British Dental Association, gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are the two common side effects when using peroxide-based teeth whiteners. Besides feeling a chemical burn, you may also notice inflammation or white spots on gums during the whitening process.
No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
As long as you stop the bleaching treatment quickly, the good news is that gum irritation usually resolves on its own after a few days. Saltwater rinses will help relieve discomfort during recovery. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can dull the irritation or burning feeling.
What happens if I swallow the strip or some of the gel from the strip? No adverse effects will result from ingesting the peroxide gel. It will simply pass through your system without causing any damage. However, swallowing large amounts of peroxide can cause nausea and stomach irritation.
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”
If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity while you're whitening your teeth at home, you should stop treatment and contact your dental professional.
The bleaching gel contains carbamide peroxide which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and lightens the teeth. The tray can be worn during the day and/or at night and the gel can be replenished at regular intervals.
Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.
Over-Whitening: Overusing or leaving whitening products on for too long can lead to an unnatural, overly white appearance known as “bleached” teeth. Follow your dentist's recommendations to avoid this issue. Temporary Discomfort: Some people may experience mild discomfort or pain during and after the whitening process.
Saliva is the Best Hydration
While drinking plenty of water is always a good idea, it won't necessarily rehydrate your teeth. The best way to rehydrate your teeth is by ensuring your mouth stays moist. Your saliva contains the minerals your tooth enamel needs to resurface and restore itself after whitening.
Teeth sensitivity after whitening is not uncommon, and it usually occurs when the bleaching agents used in the whitening process penetrate the enamel and reach the tooth's nerve centre, known as the pulp.
While teeth whitening is very safe and effective, it is common to experience sensitivity after your treatment. The good news is that this sensitivity is only temporary; however, it can still cause some discomfort for the first few days after your procedure.
After Whitening: Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth.
Brush any remaining gel away. Brush, floss and continue routine dental cleaning. You may initially notice white splotches on teeth following removal of tray. This is typically cause by dehydration of the teeth and should diminish within an hour.
Leave the trays in your mouth for 20-30 minutes when using 35% Carbamide Peroxide. You can increase the whitening time after a few sessions. In the case that you experience sensitivity, do not increase whitening time. Do not exceed a treatment time of more than 1 hour a day.
The increased acidity that occurs during NON-refrigerated shipping and storage results in increased “stabilization” of the whitening gel, which means when placed in the mouth, the gel will not break down as thoroughly in the mouth when we want it to.
Excess gel left on teeth can also be brushed away with a toothbrush. Swallowing large quan;;es of whitening gel can be harmful. Do not eat, drink or smoke whilst wearing the bleaching tray.
We recommend offering White Dental Beauty 6% hydrogen peroxide, the strongest EU accepted gel. Recommended wear time is 30 to 90 minutes.
The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.
Custom teeth whitening trays
Custom-fit trays prevent the whitening solution from spilling, which avoids gums and tongue irritation. Like other procedures that can whiten your teeth, it is also non-invasive, making it a better option for those with sensitive teeth.
A Cochrane study found that gum irritation is one of two common problems when using teeth whiteners with a higher concentration of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. (Tooth sensitivity is the other problem.) Though, if used correctly, the irritation is temporary and mild.
If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.