Can I Whiten My Teeth if I Have Receding Gums?

Gum recession is something many adults experience to some degree, and it is one of the most common concerns patients raise when asking about teeth whitening. If your gums have receded — even slightly — it is natural to wonder whether whitening is still an option, whether it could make things worse, or whether it will be uncomfortable. These are sensible questions, and the honest answer is that it depends on your individual situation.

For some patients with mild gum recession, dentist-led home teeth whitening in London may still be appropriate — provided the gums are healthy, sensitivity is manageable, and the treatment is carefully supervised. For others, whitening may need to be delayed or adapted until underlying gum health has been addressed. This article explains what gum recession means for whitening, what to be aware of, and why a professional assessment is the essential first step.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds and protects the teeth gradually pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth — and in some cases, the root surface beneath. It can affect one tooth, several teeth, or the entire mouth, and it ranges from very mild to more pronounced.

Why Do Gums Recede?

There are a number of reasons gums may recede over time. Some of the most common include:

• Gum disease (periodontal disease) — bacterial infection that damages gum tissue and the supporting bone
• Aggressive brushing — brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can gradually wear away gum tissue
• Genetics — some people are naturally more prone to thinner gum tissue or recession
• Grinding or clenching (bruxism) — excessive force on the teeth can contribute to gum changes over time
• Misaligned teeth or bite issues — uneven forces can put extra pressure on certain areas of the gum
• Smoking and tobacco use — these reduce blood flow to the gums and increase the risk of recession

Gum recession is a gradual process, and many people are unaware it is happening until they notice their teeth looking longer, feel increased sensitivity, or have it pointed out during a dental check-up.

Root Exposure and Sensitivity

When gums recede beyond a certain point, the root surface of the tooth can become exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth, which is protected by hard enamel, the root is covered by a thinner, softer layer called cementum. Beneath that lies dentine, which contains tiny tubules leading to the nerve of the tooth. This is why exposed roots often feel more sensitive — particularly to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli.

This sensitivity is relevant to whitening because whitening gels can also cause temporary sensitivity, and applying gel to areas where the root is already exposed may intensify that discomfort. It is one of the key reasons why a dental assessment before whitening is so important for patients with any degree of gum recession.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Professional home whitening uses gels containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, applied via custom-fitted trays. The gel works through a process called oxidation, breaking down stain molecules (chromogens) that sit within and on the surface of the tooth enamel. Over multiple applications, this gradually lightens the appearance of the teeth.

Enamel vs Dentine: Why They Respond Differently

Whitening gel is designed primarily to act on enamel — the hard, outer layer that covers the crown of the tooth. Enamel responds to peroxide-based gels in a relatively predictable way, and most whitening systems are formulated with this in mind.

Dentine and root surfaces, however, respond differently. Because these structures are softer and more porous than enamel, they can be more susceptible to sensitivity when exposed to whitening gel. Additionally, root surfaces do not whiten in the same way as enamel — the colour change may be less noticeable, uneven, or absent. This is an important consideration for anyone with gum recession, because the exposed root areas may not match the lightened enamel on the rest of the tooth.

Why Exposed Areas React Differently

When gums have receded, the junction between the enamel-covered crown and the exposed root can become visible. Whitening gel applied across this area may produce an uneven appearance — with the enamel portion lightening while the root surface remains closer to its original shade. This is not a fault with the gel or the trays; it is simply a reflection of how different tooth structures respond to the same chemical process.

A dentist can assess whether this is likely to be a concern in your case and advise accordingly — for example, by adjusting tray design to limit gel contact with sensitive or exposed areas.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe With Receding Gums?

This is the central question, and the honest answer is: it depends. Whitening is not automatically unsafe for patients with gum recession, but nor is it automatically suitable. The key factors are the extent of the recession, the health of the gums, the level of sensitivity, and whether the underlying cause of the recession has been addressed.

Factors That Influence Suitability

Several elements will affect whether whitening is appropriate for someone with receding gums:

• Severity of recession — mild recession with minimal root exposure is very different from significant recession with large areas of exposed root
• Gum health — if recession is caused by active gum disease, that condition typically needs to be treated and stabilised before whitening is considered
• Current sensitivity levels — patients who already experience significant sensitivity may find that whitening gel increases discomfort, even with careful management
• Tooth condition — the presence of cavities, cracks, or worn areas near the gumline can influence whether gel application is advisable
• Patient expectations — understanding that results may be less uniform in areas of recession helps set realistic goals

Why Dentist Guidance Matters

A dentist can examine your gums, assess the degree of recession, check for active disease, and evaluate your sensitivity levels before recommending whitening. This clinical assessment is essential because it allows the treatment to be tailored to your specific situation — for example, by using a lower-strength gel, adjusting wear times, or modifying the tray design to protect sensitive areas.

Without this assessment, there is no reliable way to predict how your teeth and gums will respond to whitening gel. This is one of the many reasons why dentist-supervised whitening is strongly preferred over unregulated or over-the-counter products, particularly for patients with existing gum concerns.

Potential Risks to Be Aware Of

While whitening is generally well-tolerated by many patients, those with receding gums should be aware of certain risks so they can make an informed decision.

Sensitivity Flare-Ups

Whitening gel can cause temporary tooth sensitivity in any patient, but this effect may be more pronounced in areas where the root is exposed. The tubules in the dentine are more readily stimulated by the peroxide in the gel, which can lead to sharp or lingering sensitivity during and shortly after wear. In most cases, this settles within a few days of completing treatment, but for some patients it may be uncomfortable enough to require a break or an adjustment to the whitening plan.

Dentists can take steps to manage this — for example, by recommending desensitising toothpaste before and during the whitening course, reducing the concentration of gel, or shortening wear times. The key is that these adjustments are made on the basis of a clinical assessment, not guesswork.

Gum Irritation

If whitening gel comes into contact with gum tissue — particularly tissue that is already inflamed, thin, or receded — it can cause irritation, soreness, or temporary blanching (whitening of the gum tissue). Custom-fitted trays are designed to minimise gel leakage onto the gums, but perfect containment is not always possible, especially in areas where the gumline has changed shape due to recession.

Patients should report any persistent gum soreness or irritation to their dentist promptly so the approach can be reviewed.

When Whitening May Not Be Recommended

There are certain situations where a dentist may advise against whitening, at least until other issues have been addressed. This is not a permanent exclusion — it simply means the timing is not right.

Active Gum Disease

If gum recession is being caused or worsened by active periodontal disease — with symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, pocketing, or bone loss — whitening is generally not recommended until the disease has been treated and the gums have had time to stabilise. Applying whitening gel to actively inflamed tissue is likely to cause unnecessary discomfort and may interfere with the healing process.

Treatment for gum disease typically involves professional cleaning (scaling and root planing), improved oral hygiene, and sometimes further periodontal care. Once the gums are stable and the dentist is satisfied, whitening may then be reconsidered.

Significant Root Exposure

In cases where recession is advanced and large areas of root surface are exposed, whitening may produce uneven or unsatisfactory results. The contrast between lightened enamel and unchanged root surface can be noticeable, and the increased sensitivity may make the process uncomfortable. In these situations, a dentist may recommend alternative approaches or suggest that whitening is limited to certain areas of the mouth.

Unresolved Sensitivity

If a patient is already experiencing significant daily sensitivity — even before whitening — adding a peroxide-based gel is likely to make things worse. The dentist may recommend addressing the sensitivity first, perhaps through desensitising treatments, fluoride applications, or identifying and treating the underlying cause, before considering whitening.

Preparing for Whitening Safely

If your dentist determines that whitening is suitable for you despite some degree of gum recession, there are steps that can help prepare your mouth for a more comfortable experience.

Hygiene Considerations

A professional hygiene appointment before starting whitening can make a meaningful difference. Removing surface staining, tartar, and plaque build-up gives the whitening gel a cleaner surface to work on and can reduce the risk of gum irritation during treatment. It also gives the hygienist an opportunity to assess your gum health and flag any areas of concern.

Good oral hygiene at home — brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush, cleaning between teeth daily, and using any products recommended by your dentist — also supports a smoother whitening experience. For more about the role of hygiene, our dental hygiene page provides additional information.

Stabilising Gum Health First

If there is any sign of active gum disease or inflammation, the priority is always to address that before introducing whitening. This might mean a course of treatment with a dentist or hygienist, followed by a review appointment to confirm the gums are in a suitable condition. Whitening on top of unhealthy gums is unlikely to produce good results and may cause avoidable discomfort.

Desensitising Before You Start

Some dentists recommend using a desensitising toothpaste for a couple of weeks before beginning a whitening course. These toothpastes contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which can help reduce nerve sensitivity within the dentine. While this does not eliminate sensitivity entirely, it may help make the whitening process more comfortable for patients with exposed roots or naturally sensitive teeth.

What Results Can You Realistically Expect?

Setting realistic expectations is important for any whitening patient, but particularly so for those with gum recession.

Will Whitening Be Even Across All Teeth?

In areas where the gum has receded and root surface is visible, the whitening result may differ from the enamel-covered portions of the tooth. This can sometimes lead to a slight colour variation between the crown and the root area. Your dentist can explain what is likely in your case and whether this will be noticeable in your smile.

Does Whitening Help or Harm Receding Gums?

It is important to be clear: whitening does not treat gum recession, and it does not make recession worse. Whitening acts on the tooth surface, not on the gum tissue. However, gel that comes into contact with receded or inflamed gums can cause temporary irritation. The gum recession itself is a separate clinical issue that requires its own assessment and management.

How Long Do Results Last?

As with all whitening, results are not permanent and will gradually fade over time depending on diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle factors. Patients with receding gums should discuss maintenance and top-up options with their dentist, keeping in mind any ongoing sensitivity. To understand what is included in treatment, visit our page on teeth whitening cost in London.

Boutique Teeth Whitening Advice in London

At our London clinic, we provide customised teeth whitening kits in London that are prescribed and supervised by registered dental professionals. For patients with gum recession, this personalised approach is particularly important — it ensures the treatment is adapted to your specific gum condition, sensitivity levels, and whitening goals.

Dentist-Led Customised Whitening Kits

Our whitening process begins with a thorough dental assessment, including an evaluation of your gum health. If whitening is appropriate, we take precise impressions or digital scans to create custom trays that fit your dental arch exactly. These trays can be designed to minimise gel contact with sensitive areas, including exposed root surfaces, helping to reduce the risk of discomfort during treatment.

Personalised Aftercare Guidance

Every patient receives tailored guidance on how to use their whitening kit safely and comfortably. For patients with gum recession, this may include specific advice on gel application, wear time adjustments, and sensitivity management. We believe that informed, well-supported patients achieve the best outcomes — and we are always available to answer questions or adjust your plan as needed.

Considering Whitening With Gum Recession?

If you have receding gums and are wondering whether teeth whitening could work for you, the best first step is a professional assessment. Book a whitening consultation in London with our team. We will assess your gum health, discuss your options honestly, and help you decide whether dentist-led home whitening is the right choice for your smile.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute personalised medical or dental advice. Suitability for teeth whitening depends on individual factors including gum health, sensitivity, enamel condition, and the extent of any recession. Whitening does not treat gum recession. A dental examination is required before any whitening treatment can be recommended. Always consult a registered dental professional for advice specific to your situation.