Can Teeth Whitening at Home Cause Bleeding Gums?

Question

If so, what can be done to correct bleeding gums and how/when using whitening products?

Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD · Answer

Bleeding gums are a sign of disease and should be taken as a warning sign that something is not right.  Tooth whitening may cause a minor chemical burn on the gums but this should not make them bleed, and it will heal in few days.  If your gums seem to be bleeding more due to the whitening remember that they should not bleed at all.  The best thing to do is to visit your dentist and get a thorough examination to identify any possible areas where gum disease is present.  Your dentist will prescribe treatments to resolve the problem.

Pamela Marzban, DDS · Answer

Whitening does not cause bleeding in your gums, sometimes waht could happen is irritation from the whitening gel if its left at the gum line.I always explain to wipe off  any gel that over flows with a clean finger. Bleeding gums happens if you have inflammation in your gums from gum disease. A hygienist or your dentist will be able to tell you if you have the disease and how to take care of it. Always brush and floss every day, that will help!

Kristen Berning, DDS · Answer

Teeth whitening at home does not usually cause bleeding gums.  Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis (gum disease).  Gingivitis is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria, and if allowed to worsen can infect the bone that supports the teeth-- this is called periodontal disease.  There can be up to 10 million bacteria in the infected gum tissue around a tooth.  A dentist or hygienist can help determine why the gums are bleeding and suggest treatment to return the gums to a healthy state.  Sometimes whitening at home can irritate gums due to the peroxide in the whitening agent.  Professionally made whitening trays and wiping away excess gel off the gums should help to minimize the gum irritation.

Can Teeth Whitening at Home Cause Bleeding Gums?

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Can Teeth Whitening at Home Cause Bleeding Gums?

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Everything you need to know about Teeth Whitening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.