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FAQ: Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening: Fact and Fiction
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Teeth Whitening Ask The Dentist Mitchell Pohl

Question:
I'm a 44 year old male with previously healty gums and teeth. I started using Crest White Strips as directed for about 8-9 days. My gums above the front tooth receeded about 4 cm's. I called the medical alert hotline and told them what happened. they advised me to stop using the strips and see my dentist.

My dentist said that I had a definite burn from the strips but he never saw or heard of it before and the the gum recession was most likely permanent. He told me to see a periodontist for an opinion and it was possible I might need a graft. I'm in the process of making an appointment with one. In the meantime, have you ever heard of this happening before? What do you recommend? ...Lou in NJ

Answer:
Lou, I appreciate your inquiry, but have to admit I have never heard of such an occurence from Crest White Strips.

The only thing that could come to mind is the possibility that you already had a previously undisclosed gum problem. By that I mean, perhaps there was some periodontal pocketing or loss of bone present. The active ingredient in the bleach reduced the inflammation of the gum tissue and caused it to shrink.

Carbamide peroxide was originally used to treat periodontal patients' gum tissues and it was noted that one of side effects was that the teeth whitened. That is how this whole bleaching industry basically got started. I would see the periodondist as suggested and have him evaluate the situation.

Florida Reconstructive Dentistry
Mitchell Pohl, DDS
2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 105
Boca Raton Florida FL 33431
(561) 368-3440

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