If you have visited your local convenience store lately, you have likely noticed a wide range of at-home whitening kits available to purchase over the counter. From whitening strips to at-home chemical formulas, plenty of companies are selling products that anyone can use in the comfort of their own bathrooms. Below, we look at how at-home whitening treatments burn gums.

How At-Home Whitening Treatments Burn Gums

While tooth whitening products are designed to lift extrinsic stains from the surface of your teeth and restore a bright, white appearance to your mouth, improper use of them can cause some harmful side effects. Your gums are made up of sensitive tissue, which is prone to burning after being touched by certain chemicals. Today, your trusted DTLA dentist will explain how at-home whitening treatments burn gums much more often than professional, in-office teeth whitening procedures.

What Are At-Home Treatments Made Of?

There are a vast number of teeth whitening products made by different brands for over-the-counter use. From Crest to SNOW, companies continue to innovate cosmetic dental care by putting the convenience of professional treatments in a take-home package. There can be a lot of benefits to using teeth whitening strips regularly, as this shows that you greatly care about your oral health. However, there are also a few risk factors that every consumer should be aware of.

Many tooth whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient. While this chemical is good for treating wounds and wiping out infections, it can also burn. When hydrogen peroxide touches the gums, they can become overly sensitive or even painful for an extended period of time. While minor reactions can go away fast, more severe burns will leave white spots and painful marks on the gums.

How to Avoid Getting Burned By Teeth Whitening

Since hydrogen peroxide and other common bleaching agents cause burning gums, it is best to use caution when selecting your next set of dental hygiene products. While any dentist-approved product is safe to use for a short period of time, you may not be able to predict when side effects may occur. This is why our Samaritan Dental Arts experts recommend that you make an appointment with your dentist before you buy anything so you can discuss the best course of action.
There are other ways you can protect your teeth and gums from becoming too sensitive:

Follow the instructions provided with your teeth whitening products as this can help you prevent undue pain or discomfort.
Ask your dentist about in-office whitening treatments or a customized whitening tray that can be made to fit your unique set of teeth.
Limit the number of acids you put in your body through foods like tomatoes, citrus, and soda.
Do not whiten your teeth every day, even if you have enough products to do so at home; extended use can severely weaken your teeth by eroding the protective enamel layers that surround them.
Make sure that the tooth whitening product does not get on the gums, and wipe it off as soon as you notice it.

If the damage has already been done, do not worry – there are still plenty of ways to calm your symptoms while you reach out to your dentist for professional help. You can rinse your mouth with salt water, which will remove leftover bleaching products from your gums. If your pain or irritation persists after a couple of days, you should get in touch with your dentist right away.

Get Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening for Best Results

The safest, most effective, and most comfortable way to apply long-lasting whitening to your teeth is through your dentist. Our in-office teeth whitening treatments use products and techniques that are not sold in the store as regular, over-the-counter items. If you want to give your teeth the best of the best, visit us to learn how our pain-free whitening services can keep your smile bright for a long time to come.