Are my gums damaged from whitening gel? (photos)

Question

I had excess gel (9.5% hyd per) in my tray and it burned my gum between my top 2 front teeth. When I first took the tray off the gum was white I quickly brushed it and think I may have irritated it and now it is dark/red. It has been 36 hrs since it happened. How long will it take to heal and will there be permanent damage? I recently finished Invisalign and wear a retainer full time in case that makes any difference. It is kind of hard to see in the photos and looks worse in real life. Thanks!

Ramin Mahallati, DDS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Contact on the gums with whitening gel can cause some irritation and/or burns. It should resolve in a few days. If you remain concerned, I recommend following up with your Dentist or consult with a Prosthodontist. A Prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has advanced training in tooth restoration and whitening.

Patric Cohen, DDS, FAGD · Answer

It is not uncommon for this to happen. They should heal within the next few days. Salt water rinses may speed up the healing process.

Benjamin J. Taylor, DMD · Answer

If a whitening gel that is in the higher range of effectiveness (around 35% carbamide peroxide) contacts the gums for an extended period of time it can cause some minor blistering. This is nothing to be concerned about as it will resolve itself in a few hours or days. When this treatment is given in the dental office careful attention should be taken to avoid this by placing some sort of barrier between the tooth and gums.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is common to get gel onto gums and tissues can burn.  This is similar to a pizza burn and usually resolves in a few hours/days.

Are my gums damaged from whitening gel? (photos)

Answers (4)