"If you leave them on all night long, good luck." Dr. Winters explains that if this ever happens to you, the damage to your teeth most likely isn't permanent. He recommends using a teeth remineralization gel to help build your teeth's strength back up.
Burns and Blisters. In rare cases, the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening can cause burns or blisters on your gums. This usually happens when the gel used is left on your teeth for too long or if it's not applied correctly.
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.
Carefully remove whitening strips, using lukewarm water if needed to loosen them. Gentle removal is key to preventing additional gum irritation.
How long does it take for teeth to heal after whitening? Typically, it takes 48-72 hours for teeth to heal properly after whitening. During this time, maintaining proper dental care and adopting healthy oral habits is essential.
Over the counter painkillers: If your teeth are sensitive, toothaches may be alleviated with pain medication such as Ibuprofen, which will help numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
Brushing too soon could potentially damage this delicate layer and lead to tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. To strike a balance between these perspectives, dentists often recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after using whitening strips.
Wear. Teeth ultimately turn yellow as you get older, when enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a grayish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain.
Apply healing ointments like oral gels to protect the area. Gums should heal in a few days. Contact your dentist if symptoms persist or worsen.
Besides feeling a chemical burn, you'll recognize gum irritation during the whitening process if your gums develop white spots or parts of your gum turn white. Your gums might become inflamed, as 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.
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.
Long term, your teeth not only become discolored again but may be more susceptible to staining. In addition to a translucent appearance, your teeth may develop a rough, ridged texture.
You might be tempted to leave whitening strips on your teeth for a little longer, but this will increase the risk and severity of side effects like sensitivity and gum irritation. In some cases, overuse of whitening strips has even led to chemical burns on the gums.
Whitening strips often contain peroxide-based chemicals to eliminate enamel stains, which may lead to temporary irritation and redness of the gums. This redness creates a visual contrast that can make the teeth seem more yellow.
To sum up, brushing your teeth when you wake up is better than brushing after breakfast as it protects your tooth enamel more. If you have to brush your teeth after breakfast, wait for 30-60 minutes after eating.
It is not recommended that you leave hydrogen peroxide on your teeth overnight as it could cause erosion to your tooth enamel or irritation to your gums. Instead, if you want to whiten your teeth and brighten your smile, we recommend talking with Dr.
Can I Sleep While Wearing Crest 3DWhitestrips? Please do not wear 3DWhitestrips while you sleep – especially overnight.
After using whitening strips, it is natural to wonder if brushing your teeth immediately after will enhance the effects of the treatment. However, experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth twice a day after brushing to help promote re-mineralization. It is best to be gentle when brushing after your teeth whitening treatment. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. Colgate Sensitive Ultrasoft Toothbrush will be an excellent option.
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.
Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. 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.