Discoloured teeth can wipe the smile off your face – that’s why many are turning to teeth whitening for a cleaner and brighter smile.
Is teeth whitening safe? Does it cause gum recession? This article explores the link between whitening and gum recession.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whiteningis a procedure in which your dentist removes stains and discolouration fromteeth to make them milky white.
Your dentist will apply a whitening gel, which has up to40% of hydrogen peroxide and use a special lamp or laser to clean the teeth.Your lips, gums, and tongue will be covered to prevent the gel from acting onanything other than your teeth.
You can also whiten your teeth at home with a whitening kitwhich usually comes in gel form. The kits also have a smaller version of thelight and will provide instructions on how to do it.
Can teeth whitening cause gum recession?
Yes, it’s possible for teeth whitening tocause gum recession due to the whitening agents in the gel (the peroxide) canirritate your gums. The peroxide acts in a similar way to bleach, and if itgets onto your gums, you’ll feel a burning sensation.
You may develop white spots on your gums. In addition, the chemical may cause the gums to become inflamed, which can lead to infections. Weak gums and infections are usually one of the leading causes of gum recession.
Home teeth whitening is more likely to causethese dental issues. There is a significantly lower risk of gum recession ifyou have your whitening treatment performed by a dentist. As mentioned earlier,the dentist takes extra precautions to cover your gums, so the chemicals don’tend up in the wrong places. In addition, they monitor any irritation and canquickly act before it gets out of hand.
Can you whiten teeth with receding gums?
What if you already have gum recession? Can you whiten yourteeth?
No, it’s not advisable to use any teeth whiteningsubstances if you have receding gums. Your gums should be thick and in goodhealth; otherwise, you risk further complications.
Also, gum recession leaves your roots exposed. The rootslack the enamel layer which covers the teeth, meaning they will be moreseverely affected by whitening chemicals. The peroxides can cause the roots tobecome thinner and more sensitive to irritations and cold, plus the risk oftooth decay becomes much higher.
If you are experiencing gum recession its best to seek out treatment options like:
Scaling and root planing
Gum graft surgery
Pinhole surgical technique
You can proceed with the whitening procedure once the gumproblem has been resolved.
In summary
Teeth whitening is a great way to restore your dazzling smile and confidence. You can choose to DIY or get it done by a professional dentist in Maroubra. In saying that, it’s highly advisable to choose the professional route to reduce the risk of inducing irritation and inflammation on your gums which can cause gum recession. If you already have receding gums, it’s best to seek treatment before whitening your teeth.
To check if you have gum recession and plan a way forwardfor your teeth whitening, contactDental Avenue Maroubra.
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