Recessed Gums and Teeth Whitening

If your teeth are sensitive around the gum line you may have recessed gums. It is a dental health problem many of us have. Perhaps you had gum decease or other oral problems when you were younger.

Perhaps you brush your teeth too hard or your toothbrush isn’t soft enough. Perhaps your braces caused the damage. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason.

Your teeth surface is covered by a strong protective layer called enamel. However enamel only covers your teeth above the gum line. When root is exposed it can become sensitive to the touch, cold or warm.

You may not even know you have recessed gums. If you are taking care of your teeth properly your oral health may feel perfect. However teeth with exposed roots are more likely to become sensitive to teeth whitening.

How can you tell you have recessed gums? Try looking closely or touching your teeth around the gum line. Be careful. Exposed roots can be very sensitive to the touch. You will see or feel the difference on the tooth surface. Exposed roots have rough surface. Enamel is smooth.

What is the answer? In-office bleaching is one possibility. Your dentist can protect these areas from the bleaching gel.

If you decide to take the risk and try at-home whitening then move slowly. Perhaps you should try teeth whitening strips first. If you go with tray-based whitening you should absolutely consider custom fitted trays and low concentration gels at first.

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