I got Zoom whitening last week and it burned my lips. Noticeably burned. I was expected maybe some sensitivity in my teeth, which I do have, but no one told me that my lips would burn. They are dark and gray. Is this going to heal? Also I have a follow-up appointment for another Zoom session and I am afraid to go back. Will my lips burn again? My new smile can’t be notices because my lips are burned. I am beginning to wish I had never done the whitening. Is this typical with Zoom or should I dodge my dentist? Thanks. Aaron
Aaron – Zoom whitening shouldn’t burn your lips. Before the bleaching gel is applied to your teeth, your lips should retracted and covered with sterile cloth. Also your gums should be coated with gel to protect them from bleaching gel.
Your description sounds as if your lips were not properly protected before Zoom whitening treatment. Let your dentist know that your lips were burned during treatment. Also express your concern about future in-office sessions. If you are questioning whether or not the burn will heal properly, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for an examination.
Your medical doctor or your pharmacist will be able to recommend a topical cream to apply to your lips. You can consider asking your dentist if many of his or her patients experience lip burning after Zoom whitening. If there is any indication that this is a common occurrence with your dentist’s patients, you might want to consider finishing your treatment with another dentist.
Zoom whitening is safe and effective. Your experience is not common. Discuss your concerns with your dentist. Periodic touch-up treatments at home will keep your smile bright.
This post is sponsored by top NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.