In-office teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, as it can make your teeth up to 8 shades lighter and remove stains in just one visit. But is the procedure safe for your teeth, and does teeth whitening cause gum recession? In this article, we address this question.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Gum Recession?
Teeth whitening solutions typically contain hydrogen peroxide. It is a bleaching agent that temporarily makes the enamel of your teeth more porous, penetrates its deeper layers, and destroys pigmented particles.
Generally, in-office teeth whitening is considered a safe procedure that does not cause permanent damage to your teeth or gums. However, it can cause gum recession in the following cases:
- Preexisting gum disease can worsen due to teeth whitening and lead to gum recession.
- If a recession is already present, it can worsen due to the bleaching agent irritating the gums.
- Gum irritation and subsequent recession can occur if the strength of the bleaching agent is chosen incorrectly or whitening procedures are performed too often.
The risks associated with teeth whitening necessitate a thorough oral health examination prior to the procedure. That is why we recommend choosing a reputable and experienced dentist who will determine if the procedure is safe for you and what strength of the whitening solution can be used. In some cases, your dentist might advise you against the procedure if the risks of gum recession are significant.
If teeth whitening is not a good option for you, we recommend opting for regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments instead. These procedures offer multiple oral and general health benefits and pose no risks. At the same time, some types of surface stains can be removed during these procedures.
Over-the-counter Teeth Whitening Solutions and Gum Recession
As we mentioned earlier, a thorough oral health examination is necessary before undergoing a whitening procedure to minimize risks. Additionally, if you have in-office teeth whitening, your dentist can control the strength of the solution.
Over-the-counter whitening solutions, on the other hand, are designed for individuals with healthy teeth and gums, without consideration for personal goals and needs. Also, with over-the-counter solutions, there is a risk of improper application (for example, you expose your teeth and gums to whitening solutions for too long or too often).
In conclusion, we recommend consulting your dentist before making a decision regarding a whitening procedure and opting for in-office whitening or at-home whitening kits provided by your dentist, rather than over-the-counter solutions.
What to Do if Teeth Whitening Causes Gum Recession
If teeth whitening causes gum recession, the first steps are to stop using whitening products immediately and consult a periodontist (a doctor who specializes in gum health). A periodontist will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend necessary treatment.
In some cases, antibiotics can be prescribed to reduce gum inflammation. Unfortunately, gum recession is generally not reversible. However, the following procedures can improve gum recession if the damage is significant:
- Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that prompts tissue regeneration.
- Pinhole surgical technique is a minimally invasive procedure during which your dentist can reposition the gum tissue to achieve cosmetic improvements.
Get Safe Teeth Whitening at The Smile Artists LA
If you are considering teeth whitening, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist in Culver City. Our specialists will carefully examine your oral health to determine if the procedure is safe for you. At The Smile Artists LA dental office, we utilize high-quality whitening solutions and modern methods to deliver stunning results to our clients.
 "The Smile Artists")