A brighter smile is without doubt one of the most requested beauty dental remedies in Australia. That stated, when you’ve got receding gums, you might marvel if tooth whitening is protected and even potential. The brief reply is sure. You may whiten your tooth for those who endure from receding gums, however this should be tackled fastidiously and underneath skilled steerage.
Earlier than beginning any whitening remedy, it’s important that you’ve got your gums assessed by an skilled dental workforce, corresponding to: Clover Dentistry. Gum recession adjustments the construction of your tooth and exposes areas that reply in a different way to whitening brokers, so a personalized plan is crucial.
Here is what gum recession means for whitening, the dangers related to it, and how one can safely obtain a brighter smile.
What’s gum recession?
Gum recession happens when the gums pull again from the tooth, exposing extra of the tooth floor and generally the basis. This may increasingly occur step by step and might not be noticeable within the preliminary phases. Frequent causes embody:
- Periodontal (gum) illness
- Aggressive brushing of tooth
- Grinding or clamping
- Age-related adjustments
- Orthodontic motion
- Genetics
When the gums recede, the protecting enamel layer might now not cowl all the seen tooth floor. As an alternative, dentin (the softer layer beneath the enamel) can develop into uncovered.
Why gum recession adjustments the whitening course of
Enamel whitening remedies primarily work on the enamel. Skilled whitening gels comprise peroxide-based brokers that penetrate the enamel and break down stain molecules. Nevertheless, uncovered root surfaces behave in a different way. For this reason:
- Root surfaces don’t whiten in the identical method – Tooth roots are coated with cementum as an alternative of enamel. Cementum is thinner and extra porous, which means it absorbs bleaching brokers extra shortly, however doesn’t lighten as predictably. In lots of circumstances, roots don’t whiten considerably in any respect.
- Elevated sensitivity – Gum recession typically causes tooth sensitivity as a result of dentin comprises microscopic tubes that hook up with the nerve. Bleaching merchandise can quickly enhance this sensitivity.
- Threat of gum irritation – If whitening gel comes into contact with already fragile gums, it might trigger irritation or discomfort. That is particularly related with over-the-counter kits with out customized trays.
Is it protected to whiten tooth when gums have receded?
In lots of circumstances sure, however solely after a correct dental analysis. An important concerns are:
- Is the gum recession secure or progressing?
- Is there lively gum illness?
- How extreme is your tooth sensitivity?
- Are the uncovered roots in depth?
If gum illness is current, whitening needs to be postponed till it has been handled. Beauty procedures ought to by no means take precedence over gum well being. A dentist might also suggest desensitization remedies earlier than whitening to cut back discomfort.
Skilled whitening versus at-home kits
If you happen to endure from gum recession, skilled whitening is extremely beneficial over kits from the grocery store or on-line.
Skilled whitening
- Customized-made trays decrease gel contact with gums
- Managed gel focus
- Managed remedy period
- Desensitizing choices out there
- Changes made primarily based on sensitivity
Over-the-counter kits
- One-size-fits-all trays
- Greater threat of gum irritation
- No skilled management
- Potential for uneven outcomes
Precision is necessary in gum recession. Poorly becoming trays may cause whitening gel to construct up round uncovered root areas and gum strains, rising irritation and sensitivity.
Managing sensitivity throughout bleaching
In case your dentist determines that whitening is suitable, they could suggest the next:
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste for 2-4 weeks beforehand
- Area remedies additional aside
- Shorter whitening periods
- Whitening gel with decrease focus
- Software of fluoride or remineralizing brokers
Short-term tenderness is frequent even in sufferers with out gum recession, however cautious planning considerably reduces discomfort.
What if bleaching is not the best choice?
In some circumstances, bleaching doesn’t produce the specified outcomes, particularly if the uncovered roots stay darker than the enamel. Various beauty choices might embody:
- Composite bonding – Tooth-colored resin might be utilized to the basis floor to create a extra uniform look.
- Veneer – For extra superior beauty points, veneers can present constant shade and protection.
- Gum grafting – If the recession is extreme, a gum graft could also be beneficial for each aesthetic and protecting causes earlier than bleaching is taken into account.
Throughout a complete session, your dentist can clarify which strategy most closely fits your oral well being and beauty targets.
When must you keep away from bleaching?
It’s best to keep away from tooth whitening for those who:
- Energetic periodontitis
- Extreme untreated sensitivity
- Uncovered roots masking giant areas
- Cracked enamel
- Persistent gingivitis
Whitening ought to at all times be a ultimate step, not the primary, in a broader oral well being plan.
Lengthy-lasting care after bleaching
If you happen to proceed with whitening, it’s important that you simply keep the outcomes whereas defending your gums:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Keep away from aggressive brushing
- Guarantee common skilled cleansing
- If crucial, focus on sharpening with an evening watchman
- Restrict stain-causing meals and drinks
An important factor is that you simply proceed to watch the well being of your gums. A recession in itself just isn’t reversible, so stopping additional development is essential.
The underside line
Sure, you’ll be able to whiten your tooth for those who endure from gum recession, however this should be carried out fastidiously and underneath skilled supervision. Gum well being ought to at all times come first. A personalised evaluation ensures that bleaching is each protected and efficient, whereas minimizing sensitivity and defending uncovered root surfaces.
In case you are contemplating whitening and have observed receding gums, ebook a session first. With the best strategy, it’s totally potential to realize a brighter smile with out compromising the long-term well being of your tooth.