Can I Whiten My Teeth Even If I Have Gum Disease?

Can I Whiten My Teeth Even If I Have Gum Disease?

Jul 01, 2022

Your teeth can get stained or discolored from consuming colored food items like coffee, tea, soda, and sauces. Your teeth can also discolor due to old age, genes, fluoride, tobacco use, certain medications, and trauma.

Unfortunately, teeth stains and discoloration can ruin your smile and self-confidence. When dealing with teeth discoloration, teeth whitening is often the preferred solution to whiten your smile.

One of the major benefits of whitening is that it is quick, easy, and effective. With in-office professional teeth whitening, you can get the smile of your dreams in less than two hours. Before whitening your teeth, the dentist will examine your mouth to determine the type of stains and whether whitening is the right approach to enhance your smile.

If you have intrinsic stains that can’t respond to bleaching, the dentist might recommend advanced whitening techniques like dental veneers and crowns. Similarly, oral issues can disqualify you from the whitening treatments. Contact our dentist in Stony Brook, NY.

Why You Shouldn’t Whiten Your Teeth if You Have Gum Disease

Gum or periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of the gum tissues. While gum disease is often preventable through good oral hygiene, it’s still a concern among millions globally. Apart from damaging your gums, gum disease is a risk factor for numerous health concerns like diabetes, oral cancer, respiratory problems, and heart problems.

As far as teeth whitening is concerned, gum disease can also ruin your dreams of a brighter smile. Since whitening products contain abrasive chemicals, they can irritate the gums and tooth’s nerves, causing significant pain and sensitivity to patients with gum disease. The discomfort will likely worsen if you whiten your teeth without professional help.

People with gum disease already experience sore, swollen, and sensitive gums. Whitening treatments will likely lead to more discomfort and sensitivity, worsening gum disease. Whitening chemicals can also erode your tooth’s enamel, leading to decay and tooth damage.

That said, dental experts recommend treating gum disease before whitening your teeth. Once the gum disease is under control, you’re less likely to experience severe discomfort and sensitivity.

How Gum Disease Affects Other Treatments

Apart from teeth whitening, gum disease can disqualify you or delay your other treatments like:

  • Dental implants, bridges, and dentures
  • Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and braces
  • Fitting veneers and crowns

Seeking Gum Disease Treatment

Apart from delaying your whitening treatment, untreated gum disease often causes serious symptoms like gum recession, tooth loss or mobility, and jawbone deterioration. Fortunately, there’s something you can do if gum disease prevents you from whitening your smile.

Patients with mild gum disease like gingivitis can easily reverse their condition with good at-home dental hygiene and professional cleanings. Those with advanced gum disease might need more invasive treatments like deep cleaning and gum surgery.

Treating gum disease will restore the health of your gums and allow you to whiten your teeth and get other treatments. It will also lessen the risk of developing serious health issues like diabetes, oral cancer, heart disease, sepsis, etc.

Tips for Caring for Your Gums and Teeth

Good oral hygiene and habits will keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking beautiful. Use these tips:

  • Brush at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid abrasive oral products.
  • Floss daily.
  • Treat underlying oral issues on time.
  • Eat healthier and hydrate well.
  • Wear a mouthguard for bruxism or sports.
  • Schedule frequent dental assessments and cleanings
  • Avoid chewing non-food items like nails and pens.
  • Avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid highly pigmented items like coffee, tea, berries, red wine, and soda. If you must take these items, be sure to rinse your mouth afterward.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking to improve your smile with professional teeth whitening in Stony Brook, NY? Or perhaps you’re looking for gum disease treatments? Contact Stony Brook Dental Group to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Stony Brook, NY.

Call Now Schedule Now
Click to listen highlighted text!