Everyone wants a shining, white smile. This is why so many people do teeth whitening. There are at-home teeth whitening methods, but they can be ineffective and unsafe. It is best to get a professional teeth whitening treatment from an experienced dentist. At-home teeth whitening treatments can lead to unwanted issues, including irritated and burned gums. If you have been the unfortunate receiver of such an effect, you may wonder how to treat gums burned by teeth whitening. Below, you will find the answer to this question and more helpful information about teeth whitening treatments.
How to Treat Gums Burned by Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatment can irritate and burn your gums, especially if you choose an at-home treatment option from over-the-counter. Whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps remove stains from teeth. However, these chemicals can be too strong for the gums when improperly applied. The strength of this chemical, paired with the sensitive nature of gum tissue, means that irritation and burning can often occur after using over-the-counter teeth whitening.
For clarity, gum burns occur when too much whitening gel is used or when the whitening tray does not fit your mouth properly. When applying teeth whitening treatment at home, it is important to avoid applying the strips and product too close to your gums. If you notice a burning sensation, immediately remove any remaining whitening product from your mouth. Rinse your mouth with cool water to wash away any leftover product. If the pain is severe, use a saltwater rinse to promote healing.
Caring For Your Gums After Burn
Common symptoms of irritated or burned gums include redness, white patches, pain, swelling, or tenderness. The affected area can stay sore for a few days and can make eating and drinking difficult. If you have experienced this after an at-home whitening treatment, consider the following ways to address the issue.
Be Careful Eating and Drinking
Eating foods that are hot, cold, or acidic can exacerbate your symptoms. Avoid consuming these types of foods as you heal. If your burn is mild, you should be able to return to your diet within a few days. However, if your burn is more severe, it will likely last more than a week. Severe burns can also peel and are especially painful, so be sure to treat your gums carefully.
Oral Solutions
It is important to reduce your risk for infection and promote healing. A salt water rinse a few times a day can help with burned gums. Add some salt to lukewarm water and switch it around your mouth for 30 seconds a few times each day. In addition to a saltwater solution, aloe vera gel or honey can be used to relieve pain and promote healing. Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing properties. Honey also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated promote healing and recovery. Aim for at least eight glasses of water each day. Avoid acidic drinks and food as well. These can impact the healing process and cause irritation.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Depending on your symptoms, severe burns may require over-the-counter medication. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce discomfort. Oral gels, especially those that contain benzocaine, can provide temporary relief. Benzocaine functions as a local anesthetic that appears in many ointments and pain medications, such as those for canker sores. If you are in severe pain, contact your dentist.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
If you want a brighter smile, a professional teeth whitening treatment is the way to go. A skilled and experienced dentist can provide you with a customized treatment plan based on your oral health and aesthetic goals. A professional, in-office treatment reduces your risk of irritation or burned gums. It will also provide you with a major confidence boost.
If you want to improve the look of your smile, contact the team at Shodhan Dentistry to schedule your appointment today!
