How to Treat Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening (2024)

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can enhance your smile’s appearance by removing stains and discoloration. However, if not done correctly, it can sometimes lead to discomfort or even burn your gums.

Burned gums from teeth whitening can be painful and distressing, but there are steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort and promote healing. Let us understand how burned gums from teeth whitening could be treated effectively.

  • Rinse Your Mouth Immediately
    If you experience gum burning during or after a teeth whitening treatment, the first step is to rinse your mouth thoroughly with cool water.
    This helps remove any excess whitening gel or residue that may be contributing to the discomfort. All you have to do is gently swish the water around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.
  • Apply a Cold Compress
    To reduce swelling and ease the burning sensation, apply a cold compress to the affected area. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin cloth and hold it gently against the outside of your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time.
    As a precautionary measure, be sure not to apply the ice directly to your gums, as this can cause further irritation.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
    Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation caused by burned gums.
    Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the medication packaging, and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about taking these medications.
  • Aloe Vera Gel
    Aloe Vera has soothing properties that can help relieve gum irritation and promote healing. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel directly to the burned area of your gums. You can do this several times a day as needed.
  • Avoid Irritants
    To prevent further irritation to your burned gums, avoid hot or spicy foods and beverages. Stick to a soft diet that’s easy on your mouth and gums.
    Drinking through a straw can also help minimize contact with the affected area.
  • Saltwater Rinse
    A saltwater rinse can provide relief in keeping the burned gums clean and free from infection. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water and use it as a mouth rinse two to three times a day.
    Gently swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out.
  • Give It Time
    Gums are sensitive and heal quite quickly. In most cases, burned gums from teeth whitening should begin to feel better within a few days to a week.
    Continue practicing good oral hygiene during this time, but be gentle when brushing and flossing around the affected area to avoid further irritation.
  • Consult a Dentist
    If the pain and discomfort persist beyond a week or worsen, it is essential to consult a dentist. They can assess the extent of the gum burn and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as prescription medication or topical gels for pain relief and healing.

Bottom Line

Experiencing burned gums from teeth whitening can be quite discomforting, but with proper care and patience, you can promote healing and alleviate pain.

Remember, it is better to take professional help rather than opting for self-medication. Specialists at My Noble Smile are devoted to help you. Locate exceptionally skilled dentists at 6734 WESTHEIMER LAKES NORTH SUITE 103, KATY, TX 77494 or dial (281) 394-2929.

How to Treat Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening (2024)

FAQs

How to Treat Burned Gums from Teeth Whitening? ›

Home remedies for soothing burned gums

Wet a clean cloth with hot water (but not too hot!) or wrap a clean cloth around some ice for a cool relief. Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce the inflammation in your mouth and get rid of any bacteria.

How do you treat whitening burned gums? ›

Home remedies for soothing burned gums

Wet a clean cloth with hot water (but not too hot!) or wrap a clean cloth around some ice for a cool relief. Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce the inflammation in your mouth and get rid of any bacteria.

What to do if teeth whitening turned gums white? ›

Blanching is when the gums turn white and possibly even sting a little after a teeth whitening treatment, particularly with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Blanching is normal and usually goes away in 5-20 minutes. Rinse your mouth well.

What does chemical burn on gums look like? ›

Besides feeling a chemical burn, you'll recognize gum irritation during the whitening process if your gums develop white spots or parts of your gum turn white. Your gums might become inflamed, as well.

Why are my gums black after teeth whitening? ›

Irritation in gums:If the whitening gel comes in contact with gum tissue, it may result in a brief but irritating chemical burn. The gums will appear discolored and may sting for a few hours, but should fully heal within the first or second day.

How long do burned gums take to heal? ›

Your mouth usually heals fully in about a week. To help speed up the healing process, here are some tips that may help: Avoid acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, orange juice, and coffee. Avoid spicy foods.

How do you soothe a burnt gum? ›

These are often superficial, and a person can typically treat them with home remedies. These include soothing with cool water, applying honey or aloe vera to the affected area, and rinsing with a saline solution. People should seek medical assistance if their burn causes significant pain, blisters, or becomes infected.

How long does it take for gums to heal after teeth whitening? ›

Gums are sensitive and heal quite quickly. In most cases, burned gums from teeth whitening should begin to feel better within a few days to a week. Continue practicing good oral hygiene during this time, but be gentle when brushing and flossing around the affected area to avoid further irritation.

Can I put vaseline on my gums? ›

Moisturizing a Dry Mouth

Luckily, applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the lips and gums and having a glass of water at night helps keep the mouth moist. If your child has chronic mouth breathing, consult with your pediatrician to identify the cause and recommendations for treatment.

What is the treatment for whitening gums? ›

Laser Gum Depigmentation vaporizes and removes a thin top layer of the gum tissue, destroying the cells that produce melanin. As new tissue is created during healing, it tends to be pink rather than brown. The treatment may require a local anesthetic injection and has a short recovery time with manageable discomfort.

How long does a chemical burn take to heal? ›

The amount of damage to the skin depends on how strong the chemical was, how much of it was on the skin, and how long it was there. Chemical burns, even minor ones, can be very painful. A minor burn may heal within a few days. But a more serious burn may take weeks or even months to heal completely.

How to heal a chemical burn in the mouth? ›

Timely and targeted treatment strategies, particularly nebulization medication and Kangf*ckin liquid, are effective in managing chemical burns in the oral cavity, promoting wound healing, and preventing complications.

Can hydrogen peroxide damage gums? ›

Hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to your gums, your tongue, and your tooth enamel, leading to painful decay that could be costly to repair. Like many chemicals, hydrogen peroxide is only safe in small doses.

What to do if you get teeth whitening bleach on your gums? ›

What can you do? First, stop the treatment: Remove the tray or the whitening product. Don't wait until the burning gets worse! Then, rinse your mouth: Rinsing with warm saltwater swishes away any lingering bleaching product and soothes the irritation.

Can you turn black gums pink again? ›

Some forms of dark gums from smoking, amalgam tattoo, bacterial infections, or medications can easily be treated with gum bleaching and laser depigmentation procedures. Some, like lead poisoning, Addison's, etc., may require treatment of the underlying cause followed by gum depigmentation procedures.

What does dead gum tissue look like? ›

Sometimes there is black or grey tissue on the gums because of dead tissue building up over them, and ulcers may form on the edges of teeth.

How long does it take for bleached gums to heal? ›

In most cases, it will go away within 2 to 7 days. Rubbing the gum with a lubricant such as Vaseline will help. As a rule, do not put too much bleaching gel in your take-home splints, and if you feel sensitivity within a minute, do not continue the bleaching teeth process; stop!

Why did my gums burn and turn white? ›

A bacterial infection of the gums, gingivitis is generally caused by poor dental hygiene habits or dental plaque overgrowth. These infections can cause your gums to develop white patches, recede, or overgrow your teeth. Other symptoms associated with gingivitis are: Inflammation or redness around the gums.

Why do my gums burn after whitening strips? ›

Why Do My Gums Burn After a Tooth Whitening? The hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening products may cause your gums to burn. It's is one of the main ingredients in the products you can buy on the shelves and relatively safe to use. Still — for many people, too much exposure to the gums will lead to sensitivity or pain.

How do you get rid of flaming gums? ›

Read on to get started.
  1. Warm and Cold Compresses. A great and easy way to relieve painful gums is by applying compresses on your gum to relieve your pain. ...
  2. Salt Water Rinses. ...
  3. Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  4. Tea Bags. ...
  5. Tea Tree Oil. ...
  6. Turmeric Paste. ...
  7. Over-the-Counter Pain Killers. ...
  8. Oral Anaesthetic Gels.

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