One of the quickest ways to improve your smile is teeth whitening. Not only does it boost your smile, but it also improves your overall appearance. Despite these benefits, there are still doubts about the use of teeth whiteners. Right now, the biggest question stems from the negative effects of teeth whitening on gum tissues.
Read on to discover the relationship between teeth whitening and gums.
Is Teeth Whitening Harmful To Your Gums?
Regardless of what it is, any product can be harmful when used inappropriately. Whether it’s done in excess or used wrongly, the results are more harmful than good. The same goes for any teeth whitening process.
Since teeth whitening gels are used to whiten the teeth, you should know that they contain certain chemicals specifically for enamels. So when these gels get onto the gums in significant amounts, there’s bound to be problems.
One example of the chemicals in active teeth whitening gels is peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen). It’s an active ingredient that works by oxidising the dark colours of your teeth to yield a brighter, whiter set of teeth.
So when those active ingredients get onto the gum, they cause burns and irritation. Luckily, these effects can be eliminated by the removal of the gels.
How to Counter the Harmful Effects of Teeth Whitening on Gums
There’s a simple remedy for damage to the gum tissues. Firstly, you need to remove all excess gels from the gums and rinse with warm salt water. It’s important to get every bit out to stop irritation and burning. In addition, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with salt water helps soothe your gums and provide relief.
However, if your gums still ache, you’ll need to use pain relievers like ibuprofen or apply vitamin E oils on your gums to aid relief. If all these don’t work, it’s time to take a trip to the nearest Zen Dental clinic.
How to Protect Your Gums During Teeth Whitening
As they say, prevention is better than cure. If you stop the problem from happening, you don’t need to bother about damage to your gums. Here are the various ways you can prevent gum damage from teeth whitening:
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Be sure to only use the amount needed. Too much gel can leak into the gums and cause burns.
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For better application and results, use a teeth-whitening pen. This will reduce the risk of using excess gels or gels getting into the gum tissues.
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Precision is key when using teeth whitening gels. Ensure you only apply on the teeth to prevent damage to the gums, lips, or tongue.
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Use custom whitening trays to hold the gel in place and keep it off your gums.
Finding the Perfect Teeth Whiteners
Finally, you have to be careful of the product you use when whitening your teeth. Moreover, you don’t always have to use teeth-whitening gels. You can also use whitening toothpaste for mild issues like coffee and oil stains on the teeth.