Dentist burned my gums

The gum, or gingiva, can be irritated by concentrated whitening gel, etching gel, disinfectant, bonding resin, hot instruments, or prolonged pressure from a retractor or rubber dam. A superficial chemical injury often looks white because the outer epithelial cells have been damaged and may later shed.

Rinse gently with lukewarm salt water, keep brushing the unaffected teeth with a soft brush, and avoid alcohol mouthwash, smoking, spicy foods, and picking at the white tissue. Do not apply household chemicals or put aspirin directly on the gum; arrange a review so the area can be photographed and monitored.

Contact the treating dental clinic promptly if pain is increasing, the area is spreading, bleeding persists, or the tissue is not improving. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever, pus, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing.

Ask which product or instrument contacted the gum, whether the injury is limited to the surface epithelium, and how it should be cleaned and reviewed. Ask whether a protective dressing, prescription pain relief, or treatment for an underlying burn or infection is needed.