Teeth Whitening and Receding Gums: Is It Safe and What Should You Know?

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue gradually moves away from its normal position around the tooth, exposing more of the tooth surface — and in some cases, parts of the root. This can happen on one or several teeth and may progress slowly over time.

There are a number of reasons why gums may recede. Some of the more common factors include:

• Periodontal (gum) disease — long-standing gum inflammation can lead to breakdown of the tissues supporting the teeth, including the gums.
• Brushing too hard — using excessive force or a hard-bristled toothbrush over time can wear away gum tissue, particularly along the gum line.
• Genetic predisposition — some people are naturally more prone to thinner gum tissue, which may recede more easily.
• Tooth grinding or clenching — habitual grinding can place stress on the teeth and surrounding gum tissues.
• Ageing — some degree of gum recession is a normal part of ageing, though it does not affect everyone equally.

When gums recede, the root surface of the tooth becomes exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth (which is covered by hard enamel), the root is covered by a material called cementum, which is softer and thinner. This is one of the reasons why recession can lead to increased sensitivity — and why it matters when considering whitening.

Why Gum Recession Can Affect Whitening

The main reason gum recession is relevant to whitening is that exposed root surfaces respond differently to whitening gel compared to enamel-covered areas of the tooth.

Root surfaces are covered by cementum and contain dentine — a porous, yellowish tissue that lies beneath the enamel on the crown. Dentine is more permeable than enamel, which means it can absorb whitening agents more quickly and may react more intensely. This can lead to:

• Heightened sensitivity — the exposed dentine may be more reactive to the peroxide in whitening gel, especially if sensitivity is already present before treatment.
• Potential irritation — if whitening gel comes into direct contact with exposed root surfaces or inflamed gum tissue, it may cause temporary discomfort or soft tissue irritation.
• Uneven colour response — because enamel and dentine respond differently to whitening, there can sometimes be a visible difference in shade between the crown and root areas of a tooth with recession.

None of these risks mean that whitening is impossible with gum recession. They simply mean that the approach needs to be considered carefully, and that professional assessment is an important step before treatment begins.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening uses a peroxide-based gel — usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — that is applied to the tooth surface. The active ingredient works through a process called oxidation, which breaks down stain molecules within the enamel and lightens the overall appearance of the teeth.

During and shortly after whitening, the enamel becomes temporarily more porous. This is a normal part of the process and typically resolves within a short period. However, it does mean that teeth may be slightly more susceptible to absorbing new stains in the days immediately following treatment — which is why aftercare guidance is important.

The fit of the whitening trays also matters. Custom trays are designed to hold the gel in contact with the teeth while minimising leakage onto the gums. This is particularly relevant for patients with gum recession, as poor-fitting trays can allow gel to reach exposed root surfaces or soft tissue more easily.

You can find more information about how we approach this treatment on our tooth whitening London page.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth If You Have Receding Gums?

In many cases, yes — but it depends on your individual circumstances. Mild gum recession, where the gums have pulled back slightly but the teeth and surrounding tissues are otherwise healthy, does not necessarily prevent whitening from being carried out.

However, there are situations where extra caution is needed or where your dentist may recommend waiting before proceeding. These include:

• Significant root exposure — where a large area of the root surface is visible and may be difficult to protect from the whitening gel.
• Active gum disease — if there is ongoing inflammation, bleeding, or infection in the gums, whitening is generally not recommended until the gum condition has been stabilised.
• Pre-existing sensitivity — patients who already experience sensitivity in areas of recession may find that whitening temporarily intensifies this discomfort.

The key point is that suitability is not a blanket yes or no — it is determined by a clinical assessment of your gum health, enamel condition, and overall dental picture. This is why a consultation with your dentist before starting whitening is so important.

Potential Risks to Be Aware Of

If you are considering whitening with receding gums, it is helpful to be aware of some potential risks — not to cause alarm, but so that you can make a well-informed decision:

• Increased sensitivity — this is the most commonly reported concern. Exposed dentine is naturally more sensitive, and whitening gel can temporarily heighten this. For most patients, any sensitivity is short-lived, but for others it may be more pronounced.
• Gum irritation — if the whitening gel comes into contact with the soft tissue or exposed root surfaces, it may cause temporary redness, soreness, or a white discolouration of the gum tissue. This usually resolves within a day or two.
• Uneven whitening — the crown and root of a tooth are made of different materials, and they may respond differently to whitening gel. This can sometimes result in a subtle difference in shade near the gum line, particularly in areas of noticeable recession.

These risks can often be managed effectively with a well-fitting tray, careful gel application, and appropriate monitoring — but they are worth discussing with your dentist so that you know what to expect.

How Whitening Trays Can Help Reduce Irritation

One of the advantages of using custom-made whitening trays — rather than over-the-counter strips or generic mouthguards — is the level of control they offer over where the whitening gel goes.

Custom trays are made from impressions of your teeth, so they fit precisely. This means:

• Gel stays where it should — a good fit reduces the risk of the gel leaking onto the gums or root surfaces, which is particularly important if you have areas of recession.
• Controlled application — your dentist can advise you on exactly how much gel to place in each section of the tray, helping to minimise the chance of excess gel causing irritation.
• Adaptable wear times — depending on your sensitivity levels, your dentist may recommend shorter or less frequent wear sessions. Custom trays make this kind of tailored approach straightforward.

Following your dentist's guidance on gel quantity, wear duration, and frequency is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of discomfort — especially when recession is a factor.

When Whitening May Need to Be Delayed

There are some situations where your dentist may recommend postponing whitening treatment until other aspects of your dental health have been addressed. These may include:

• Active gum inflammation or infection — whitening is not advisable when the gums are actively inflamed or bleeding, as the gel may cause further irritation and the underlying condition needs to be treated first.
• Ongoing discomfort or pain — if you are experiencing significant tooth or gum pain, it is important to identify and address the cause before adding whitening gel to the equation.
• Unstable gum condition — if your gum recession is progressing or you are in the process of receiving periodontal treatment, your dentist may prefer to wait until the situation has been stabilised.
• Untreated decay or broken teeth — cavities or damaged teeth may allow the whitening gel to penetrate further than intended, which could cause discomfort.

Delaying whitening is not a sign that it can never be done — it is simply a matter of addressing the most pressing concerns first and ensuring the safest possible conditions for treatment when the time is right.

When to Seek Whitening Advice

If any of the following apply to you, it is worth discussing your whitening plans with a dentist before starting treatment:

• You have a history of sensitivity — particularly in areas where the gums have receded. Your dentist can advise on whether whitening is likely to be comfortable for you and what precautions might help.
• You have noticed changes in your gums — if your gums appear to be pulling back, look red or swollen, or bleed when you brush, it is important to have this assessed before considering any cosmetic treatment.
• You are unsure whether whitening is suitable — there is no harm in asking. A short consultation can quickly clarify whether you are a good candidate and what approach would work best for your situation.
• You have tried whitening before and experienced discomfort — if a previous attempt at whitening caused significant sensitivity or irritation, your dentist can help identify why and whether a different approach might be more comfortable.

The goal is not to discourage you from whitening, but to make sure that any treatment is carried out safely and with full awareness of your oral health needs.

Booking Whitening Advice in London

If you have receding gums and are interested in teeth whitening, the best starting point is a personalised assessment. This allows your dentist to examine the condition of your gums, check for any underlying issues, and advise on whether whitening is appropriate for you at this stage.

At our practice, we take a safety-first approach. We always assess gum health before recommending whitening, and we tailor our advice to your individual needs — including gel concentration, tray fit, wear time, and aftercare. Our aim is to help you feel confident and informed, whatever the outcome of the assessment.

Whether you are exploring teeth whitening London for the first time or have specific concerns about gum recession and suitability, we are here to help.

Last reviewed: February 2026. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised clinical advice. A thorough examination by a qualified dentist is always required before any treatment can be recommended. Individual circumstances and outcomes vary.