Is Teeth Whitening Possible for People with Receding Gums?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Mickey Bernstein, DDS
Question viewed 8,046 times
Tags: gums, receding, sensitivity

I am really sensitive to cold liquids and hot drinks too...my concern is this will get even worsened after teeth bleaching, no?

6 answers to Is Teeth Whitening Possible for People with Receding Gums?

Best way to whiten teeth with gum recession

Ideally the tooth whitener should not contact the root structure that is exposed from recession. With any of the at-home treatments it is very hard to keep the peroxide localized to the enamel. The paint on treatments immediately wash off the teeth; the strips are not customizable. The best way to address this issue is to have the dentist apply the whitener in-office such as the Zoom treatment, which can avoid the recssion areas. Another suggestion is to have a tray made by your dentist,... more

Jennifer Jablow, DDS
New York Cosmetic Dentist

Whitening with Recession and Sensitivity

It is entirely appropriate to whiten your teeth with receded gums. Use a strong Fluoride toothpaste (Fluoridex) prior to and during the treatment for a minimum of 1 week. Keep in mind any exposed root surface will not whiten, only the enamel.

Mickey Bernstein, DDS
Memphis Cosmetic Dentist

Change your Toothbrush

With proper pretreatment it is possible . The area of recession has very little or no enamel and well only marginally whiten. I usually suggest changing your brush to a SoniCare (non abrasive whitening Toothpaste) and using your opposite hand to brush so you can not scrub eroding more enamel. I then make bleaching trays and have the patient use MI paste in the trays twice per day to remineralize and desensitive your teeth. After several months of this usually a patient can bleach with no... more

Benjamin S. Fiss, DDS
Chicago Cosmetic Dentist

Receding gum protection required at whitening

At bleaching process your dentist is protecting your gum and naked root area to avoid the pain and post-up sensitivity. Generally , all whitening procedures have pain or sensitivity for short time. Also application of fluoride after whitening is helping you to avoid the sensitivity.

Bruce Vafa, DDS
Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist

Protect root surfaces during whitening procedures

The sensitivity caused by whitening procedures is typically temporary and only lasts about a day or two if sensitivity is experienced at all. For patients with recession the doctor can protect the root surface while the treatment is being performed.

Ryan Sellinger, DMD
Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist

Whitening sensitivity is temporary

While you may experience an increase in sensitivity while whitening your teeth, it should be temporary. Essentially the process dries out your teeth, so when you are done and the teeth re-hydrate, the teeth should be fine again. In your case, still sensitive, but not as bad as during the procedure. But DURING the process, there are things that can be done to minimize the pain. Trays can be fabricated short of the gum line, but the tray material needs to be fairly rigid (otherwise the gel... more

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates