Laser Teeth Whitening and Possible Effects on Gums

Laser teeth whitening puts gums and other soft tissues of the mouth at risk of irritation and injury. Sometimes, the whitening gel still touches the gums, and this can be a painful ordeal. Knowing this possible risk can help prepare you for your upcoming laser teeth whitening treatment. If you want to know more about the possible effects of laser teeth whitening on your gums, here are the facts.

Causes of gum irritation during laser teeth whitening

Using over-the-counter whitening products is harmless to the gums. Whitening gel trays, strips, pens, gels, and rinses contain small amounts of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. The law does not allow manufacturers to go beyond the levels they recommend. In laser teeth whitening, a dentist performs and watches every step. By law, the dentist can increase the levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The significant increase of bleaching agents can cause gum irritation if the gums and other soft tissues do not have proper protection.

It is important to find a dentist who has ample experience in laser teeth whitening. That way, the patient will not have a significant amount of whitening gel on the gums. Proper use of whitening gel results in mild and temporary gum irritation. This will not give the patient extended problems with the look and feel of the gums after laser teeth whitening.

Gums can have severe chemical burns after the whitening treatment if the whitening gel touches the gums too much. There is also a possibility of developing white spots or sections on the gums. Pain is a common lingering sensation. Inflammation often accompanies discomfort. There may also be bleeding in some cases.

Soothing the gums

Chemical burns can happen during the laser teeth whitening or while using custom-fit home whitening treatments. Stopping the treatment is the first thing to do if the patient feels a slight burning sensation in the gums. This will prevent the burn from getting worse. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt solution comes next. Swishing it in the mouth will remove any sticking bleaching gel on the gums. The irritation often lasts for a few days.

Severe chemical burns need an emergency appointment with the dentist. The dentist will be able to tell if the patient needs extensive medical attention. Paying attention to the treatment is important to stop any level of chemical burn right away. Resting the gums is important after treating the chemical burn. The gums should have full recovery first before another laser teeth whitening happens.

Some might believe in pain and beauty occupying the same space. Yet, this should not be the case in gum chemical burns. Experimenting with teeth whitening kits is not ideal. The guidance of a dentist is always the healthier way to go.