At-home teeth whitening kits are totally safe—assuming you use them correctly. Always follow the instructions on the product, and always speak with a dentist if you have any specific concerns.
“If you have any gum issues, gum recession, cavities that haven’t been treated, or extreme teeth sensitivity, I would recommend being extra careful when using at home whitening kits,” adds Veytsman. “I also suggest connecting with your dentist should you experience any discomfort when using whitening products or dental products in general.”
The most common side effect from whitening products is sensitivity and irritation, likely from the peroxide. “The peroxide, the same way it stings when you put on a wound, is irritating to the soft tissue inside the tooth, which contains thousands of nerve endings,” says Martin. “Start slow [with] shorter windows of time, and see how your teeth respond.”
Some people can only handle whitening once or twice a week, and that’s OK! But according to Martin, the discomfort shouldn’t last for too long: “Studies show that even if you get irritation during the bleaching (sometimes your gums around your teeth will be sore and white, too!), it’s completely reversible,” she notes.
You’ll still want to avoid staining your gums with the product the best you can, but rest assured that any irritation should ebb. If it doesn’t, that’s your sign to consult a professional.
