Teeth Whitening Reviews - an unbiased and free resource
product reviews and ratingsteeth whitening simulatorfrequently asked questionsmessage boardabout this site

You are Here: HomeArticles
Back to Articles

Teeth Whitening Dangers?

Jul 10, 2006
Email this article
 Printer friendly page
Back to Articles

Teeth whitening is the best thing to have happened for people with stained and discolored teeth. People have been able to make their teeth whiter by taking advantage of the various teeth whitening products and teeth whitening methods available. However, like all good things, teeth whitening has its own set of disadvantages. People who have opted for tooth whitening have experienced different complications that range from mild irritations to severe pain.

In a craze for getting that flashy Hollywood style smile, the majority of people rush into teeth bleaching without realizing if there are repercussions. Although it isn’t too dangerious, teeth bleaching can cause problems. People who use various kinds of home remedies for teeth whitening may incur indirect effects to tooth enamel and gums. When people use home remedies, they usually rely on acidic properties of certain fruits. This acid can deteriorate your teeth's enamel and make a person's smile worse than ever.

In regards to over the counter and dental whitening products, prolonged bleaching can lead to severe irritation in the teeth and gums. Teeth whitening products make use of chemicals like Hydrogen Peroxide that need to be used in the right concentration and right quantities to have the desired effects. People who use tooth whitening products at home do not pay much attention to their correct usage. Teeth whitening, like any other treatment or surgery, needs to be done under the supervision of an expert. A dentist is the right person to consult regarding this subject. If done properly, which requires consulting a dental expert, teeth whitening is harmless. It is only when people buy teeth whitening products over the counter and use them without following the proper directions that it is dangerous.

First and foremost, the chemicals that the tooth whitening products use like hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the delicate and soft tissues in your mouth. When teeth bleaching is done in a dentist’s office, the dentist takes care of this by placing a dental dam to prevent the chemicals from getting in contact with anything besides the teeth. Many people have reported a prolonged and increased sensitivity in their teeth to hot and cold things like coffee or colas. Gum irritation is not uncommon. There is a probability of the teeth whitening product being ingested by the patients, causing nausea, vomiting or a burning sensation.

Recently, there has been talk about a study done in Georgetown University, which says hydrogen peroxide may cause tongue cancer. This study is based on the results of two people in their 20’s getting cancer. It is important to note that the study looked at only 19 people who used teeth whiteners. Researchers theorize that when hydrogen peroxide in the gel leaks from trays it releases cancer-causing "free radical" cells, which may have caused the tongue cancer.

However, Dr. Gerard Kugel, from Tufts Dental School says:


It's been looked at many times over the years in animal studies and in human retrospective studies and there is no evidence of any link between peroxide and oral cancer. We've bleached millions of people, I mean it's almost amazing how many people whiten their teeth with so few problems related to it in contrast to other things we do in dentistry or medicine. To me, it's one of the safest things we do at this time in dentistry. 


Remember, if you are using over the counter teeth whitening products, follow the directions, do not over-use, and use a reputable company.

- TeethWhiteningReviews.com


 Back to Articles     Top of Page


Digg

Comments

1. - Jaime - 09/01/2007
I am astonished to see that there is no mention to the lip frying I sufered while receiving Zoom whitening.
My upper lip swelled to 5 times it's size, and still not subsiding, ruining my holyday weekend. I want to know if my lip has been exposed to UV rays to dangerous proportions. I like the color results, but the fried lip is not only a nuisance, but a real danger. One hour of UV rays cooking my lip could be deleterious to my health , I am concern about cancer to the lip.
I think this procedure should not be done untill the safety of both lips can be guaranteed. I deem this procedure "unprofessional" and cruel
2. - Carolyn - 09/21/2007
I agree with Jaime. My daughter had the zoom treatment today and suffered a very bad burn on her lip. The doctor told her the swelling and blistering would go down after 20 minutes, it has been over 4 hours and it has not gone down any. The doctor also told her she had a 'reaction' to the chemicals use. I don't think so. I think her lip was sizzled with the devise used to emmit UV rays. I too am worried if now her chances of developing cancer- or at the least a bad infection- are raised.
3. - Robert - 09/22/2007
I am in a worse situation after the procedure, my upper and lower lips suffered serious burns,and formed blisters by the second day.
Had to start applications of antibiotics and have the lips numbed mostly of the time to be able to drink or eat.
4. - Chris - 10/22/2007
I would just like to say that i too experienced blistering of the lips. Can any of you tell me how many days it took your lips to heal. I was told that some of the solution got on my upper lip. It swelled up like someone hit me in it and it did not go down for like 30 hours or so. The blistering however is still here and is not subsiding after almost 3 days. I have been using chapstick religiously. Any help would be appreciated.
5. - Chuck - 11/01/2007
I am interested in speaking with people who have had problems with tooth whitening for a
television report. Please contact via email
chuck_musgrove@yahoo.com
or by phone (405)478-6395.

Thanks
Chuck
6. - dr shalash - 11/04/2007
the complication of lip swelling or blistering during the zoom whitening procedure is not a common one . the dentist should have used a protective cream and barrier to protect all areas of the skin and lips from the effect of the machine light. i am sure that the blisters will go away by time. as regards to getting cancer to the lip from the effect of light of the machine this totally nothing to be worried about. cancer developes when there's prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. this needs years for such an effect to take place. so a single or even several exposures of your lips to the light coming from the machine can not do such damage.
7. - Monica - 11/06/2007
I also suffered burns on my upper lip. It is numb and swollen. I am desperately hoping that it does not form blisters. I was told I had SPF 50 sunblock, but it still burned.
8. - Sue Tangen - 11/11/2007
I wish I had never had my teeth zoom whittened. My teeth were already pretty white but I wanted them movie star white. I had my lips were burned so bad I wasn't able to go to school the next day. I am now taking oragel and using over the counter meds for my teeth. They are so sensitive it's hard to sleep and I have to take ibuprofen nonstop. The dentist doesn't tell you about the possible side effects.It was a horrible experience.
9. - Debbie - 11/14/2007
I had zoom done today. I have whitened with the trays for years and everything was fine so I was not worried about doing this. I had no idea my lip would be burned and swollen and I've already started to develop a huge what looks like canker sore...maybe it's a blister....i can barely talk, feel sick and it was a horrible experience and I cried in the end when the pain of the light was too much to handle...I am so upset with myself for not researching this before..i do with every lately and I just trusted that it was going to be a simple procedure...i could not care less about my teeth or their color right now im just so upset i have huge fat swollen lips and thanksgiving is next week...i can't be like this next week!
10. - Luca - 11/21/2007
Sorry for my English which is not perfect. I'm writing from Italy. Thank you very very much for reporting your experience. I was thinking about whitening my teeth (even if they are not so bad..) but now that I've heard your stories I'll think twice. I've already suffered lips irritation in the past and so I absolutely think it wouldn't be suitable to me. The worst thing is that my dentist didn't told me about the risks.
11. - Tammy - 11/22/2007
I had my teeth whitened yesteray with Zoom. I received 2 burns on my top lip. My lip is HUGE!!! They blew itoff at 1st adn tried to tell me to just put some ointment on it to keep it moist. I went back to them 3 hrs later and they gave me some pure vitamin E to put on and a prescrition for Benadryl. They tried to make it out like I was allergic....
It is still swollen, almost 24 hrs later, and there are 2 white dots (the size of small peas) on my upper lip in the inside.
Happy Thanksgiving to me!
12. - Tina - 12/21/2007
I had Zoom! done in 2005 and experienced the same canker/cold sore reaction. However, I am prone to getting them especially when stressed or being out in the sun too long so I just figured it was because of the UV light. My blister did go away but I will not do Zoom! again.
13. - Shelly - 01/03/2008
I just had Zoom today, left the dentist's office at 1:00 pm. It's now 7:40 pm and my lower lip is three times the normal size. When I was in the office, he said that the swelling would be gone in a couple of hours. During the procedure, I told him my lip was burning, and he said that it was just because it was dry and from the heat.
14. - Cheryl - 01/08/2008
I had my teeth whitened yesterday evening. The results were not 'fantastic' but good, however i left also looking like i had been attacked in the mouth. During the process, my lips were BURNING but i thought it was normal, being a first timer. I couldn't wait for it to finish and when it did, i didn't even bother looking at my teeth, all i could see were my FAT LIPS. This morining they are still fat, can't go to work. So dissapointed, due to the fat, swollen lips. To me it has defeated the whole point of having my teeth done. Think twice people.
15. - Niksan - 01/10/2008
But what about whitening ur teeth using geL? Isnt it safer?
16. - Toor - 01/10/2008
It has been 8 hrs since my in office Zoom treatment...I had to stop the process due to my gums and cheek was burning..Needless to say my gums on the left side of my mouth was burned and turned white. that was scary looking...Im taking Loratab (pain meds) to stay ahead of the pain..
17. - Stephanie - 01/11/2008
I had my Zoom whitening process yesterday and am THRILLED with my results. My mother on the other hand had gone to another dentist and was not so thrilled. After reading about other peoples experiances here I can definatly see the difference a good and experianced dentist can make. The process my dental office took before my whitening was very extensive. They put a protective coating all over my lips and gums. And were very careful to pack my mouth and gums and any very sensative teeth with gause so as not to irritate them. They also did the whitenting in 15 mintue incraments.. Came and repacked my mouth and cleaned up the coating and reapplyed it each and every time. I am thrilled with my results as I got 8 shades whiter!! I do have very VERY sesative teeth right now and they do hurt. But it is day two and they are much much better today and im sure by tomorrow they will be perfect. My mothers experiance was very different, they just let her sit for over an hour and when things were burning just said oh well thats what happens. No protective stuff or anything and didnt give her breaks in between like I did. He results werent as dramatic as mine either. So just my tip to all of you thinking about it. Make sure your have an experianced dentist who knows and CARES what he or she is doing! If you do then your Zoom can be a fantastic thing!!
18. - tab - 01/16/2008
I have the blisters, but they really didn't come until 4-5 hrs later. Tell me if you know, what to DO about the blisters. And how long did they last?
19. - kathy - 01/17/2008
My daughter had Zoom whitening today. Unfortunately I did not research it because if I knew she would be experiencing the pain she has right now I would have never allowed it. The procedure was started at 2:00 and it is 8:00 p.m. right now. I had to give her a Vicodin for her pain. She is in tears and is inconsolable. I feel awful that she is suffering. The whitening was a gift from her boyfriend, whose dad is a dentist. Believe it or not, they never told her she would experience this type of pain...just that her teeth might be sensitive. Some gift.... Think twice about this procedure everyone. It's nasty.
20. - David Gordon - 01/19/2008
I had zoom done and we must put an end to this cruel punishment for the cost of greedy dentists just caring about there bottom dollarIf you would like to help email me and we can talk. thanks dave.
21. - David Gordon - 01/19/2008
I had zoom done and we must put an end to this cruel punishment for the cost of greedy dentists just caring about there bottom dollarIf you would like to help email me and we can talk. thanks dave.gordo7[at]bellsouth.net Ps include a brief description of your experiences.
22. - Linda Custer - 01/23/2008
I just had my teeth whitened by ZOOM yesterday and my upper lip is swollen. Is this dangerous and when will it go away? What can I do to make it better? I love the results but hate the swollen lip. It looks awful and embarassing!!!
23. - jm - 01/23/2008
I had the zoom procedure done and regret it. I was told I would experience some "sensitivity". As soon as the 2nd 15min session was over (there are a total of 3) i was in extreme pain. If felt as if someone was trying to rip my tooth out. They had to stop the treatment. I was in such pain when i left the dentist office. The next day i had to miss work because my lips were swollen with blisters and i could not talk right. (The dentist did cover my mouth well, so for this to happen i just wonder how strong the solution/light is). I have sense written to Zoom, but have never received any kind of response from them. I am told by my dentist i am the first that this has happened to, and i must have just had an allergic reaction.... sounds like i'm not the only one. What's worse, my teeth are only about a shade lighter.
24. - Stacey - 01/26/2008
I had Zoom whitening on Tuesday afternoon & made it through 4 15-minute sessions. Fortunately, I only had about 4 "zingers". But, the entire inside of my lower lip, some of the inside of my upper lip & various spots throught my mouth are burned horribly & hurt so bad that I have been taking pain killers just to get some relief. Even then, the pain killers don't help much. I have been putting Vitamin E in my mouth at night, & during the day I use a canker sore gel that contains aloe & helps to soothe the extreme pain. Today is Saturday, and the pain is just awful! My lips look horrible inside my mouth too. And my teeth don't look that much whiter to me. They actually are very splotchy looking, which I hope goes away. My best guess to what happened is that the gauze they used to pack my mouth with should have been changed for every 15-minute session, because by the time the 4th session started, the gauze was saturated with solution & saliva. They never changed out my gauze. When I called the dentist's office & asked the girl who answered the phone for some numbing gel, a pain medicine Rx & an antibiotic Rx (b/c my lymph nodes are painfully swollen under my jaw as they work to fight off infection from the burns), she said she would talk to the dentist & call me back. No one has ever called back. (I had previously spoken with the dentist Wednesday & explained to her my problem too.) Anyway, I paid $299 for the Zoom & would definitely not do it again!
25. - Karolina - 01/26/2008
Wow, Sorry to say I am suffering some of the same effects...I had Zoom done yesterday (Friday). Part of my lower lip is swollen, the upper lip is partly burned? and I have a big 2cm x 2cm painful blister inside my lower lip. It is hard to eat and Tylenol #3s aren't helping. I think I am in for a rough few days.

The procedure itself felt like torture, not being able to move the whole time. I kept thinking of those poor souls in Guantanamo and how they endure torture for real!

I am reluctant to say but I didn't research it at all before I did it, which is not like me. I had no idea what the process involved until I got there.

Take care everyone...
C
26. - Karolina - 01/28/2008
I just called the local FDA office to file a complaint. The women I spoke with was kind of new but said that she had never heard of ZOOM! Lets see if they do anything. Does anyone know of any class actions suits related to this product or any lawyers who might want to start one?

I also can't believe they don't make you sign a release form before the procedure informing you of ALL the risks...

K
27. - emily - 01/29/2008
same thing - zoom yesterday and a huge swollen and burned lower lip. i'm putting ointments on but can anyone write to say how long it is going to last?? thanks!!
28. - Karolina - 01/30/2008
I say, lets join together and sue the manufacturer, discus dental.
Email me at Caroliner@onebox.com

I am on day 6 of suffering. It is still hard to eat.
K
29. - Hass - 02/01/2008
I had the procedure done today and SAME THING, folks. BURNED UPPER LIP and an ulcer. It was scary the first time i saw myself in the mirror, i had two white formations on the right side of my upper lip, what appears to be the ulcer. I was given a topical cream 'Oracort E' and an ice pack that i had to apply on my mouth for about a half hour. Accordin to the dentist it was very rare, she'd only had one other patient some 5 years ago who reacted this way. I suspect it's cos of the wet gauze and the saliva that somehow compromised the protection it was supposed to give. Cos i was drippin onto my shirt, believe it or not. There was a throbbing sensation when the light was flashed onto my teeth, but i was told it was supposed to be that way, so i stayed still. They gave me a bell to ring if the pain got unbearable, but it didn't, so I didn't call for help. If i'd known my lip was gonna swell the way it did, i would've rung it multiple times. I wasn't monitored too, that made it worse i guess. I'm gettin a free round in some weeks, and i'm sure as hell gonna warn them to check up on me every 5 mins or so and replace the WET GAUZE !

Btw i'm still pretty sore from it all, but it doesn't hurt. It's just swollen and I look like I'd had a lip job gone awry. :(
30. - Administrator - 02/01/2008
It seems a lot of you are experiencing problems with Zoom! Whitening. I have added a discussion thread in the message board to make it easier for you all to discuss your issues.

Visit this URL: http://www.teethwhiteningreviews.com/messageboard/viewforum.php?id=3


31. - emily - 02/01/2008
I just went to the dermatologist for my swollen burned lip and apparently the laser light can trigger a 'cold sore' viral outbreak. i am now on an antiviral pill. apparently we were not 'burned,' which is good news.
32. - Jenn - 02/01/2008
I just came back from the dentist today after having the Zoom treatment done. I've read every single one of your posts & wow - I also did not research this procedure beforehand either which is not like me .. just expected it just to be nice & easy , I thought teeth whitening in general was just so common. Obviously there is a reason I found my way here. I can say I was very happy & everything was fine, just minor discomfort, the throbbing sensation, etc during the first 2 treatments of 15min each, half way through the 3rd session (I was supposed to have 4) I felt sudden horrible excruciating pain - I yelled out and ended up pulling the machine off of me. Dentist thought that I had moved causing the protectant stuff he put on my gums to loosen & got burned because of it. I didn't move til I felt the pain & I am sure now that it's not coming from my gums but one of my teeth. I know this because a few hours later I am still dealing with this awful pain. I'll be fine for say 15 min or so & then it will hit me again all of a sudden for no reason - but just that one tooth, feels almost like when they hit a nerve or something, not just "sensitivity". I am also worried cause some of you said your lips didn't swell til hours later - I too felt that on my lips but was told it was normal, guess I'll just have to wait & see. I am definitely not recommending this to anyone & will never do this again.
33. - karolina - 02/02/2008
Emily,
Had you had cold sores in that area before? If it is just cold sores why is your lip so huge and swollen? Was there one big blister or many smaller ones - which would be more typical for cold sores?

I suggest people take photos of their injuries for documentation, in case you want to go further with this. At least call the FDA. By the way, I called the American Dental Association and they didn't care a bit. You have to be a member dentist to be able to talk with someone.
K.
34. - Nicole - 02/03/2008
I'm a registered dental assistant and I had my teeth whitened in our office (free of charge, thank god) everything seemed to go smoothly until the following day. I woke up to find that the gums in between my front teeth turned purple and they really hurt! The day after that they had turned bright red...still hurting! Now, three days later my gums are white and look infected... but I suppose they are just badly burned. I'm hoping it will go away eventually because my gums are sore and not to mention ugly to look at! Has anyone else had this problem? Good thing I work in a dental office because I'm going to show our dentist what happened and see if he has any ideas as to what I can do to remedy this problem.
35. - Toor - 02/04/2008
My original blog was 1/10/08. It has been almost 30 days since my Zoom in office treatment. After I sent, my first blog (8 hours after the treatment) I realize I had burns on my left gums, which turned them white. However, I did not realize I had burns on my right gums also. My gums have healed -- now my teeth appear to be very sensitive; I am not sure what that is about. Nevertheless, when I left the dentist office my teeth was a couple of shades whiter. Not even 30 days later my teeth appears to be the same color before I started the process. This process was a big disappointment, I am calling my dentist and requesting a full refund. I am sure it has worked for some but this was a waste of time, money, and unusual pain.
36. - Brenda - 02/09/2008
I had my teeth whitened today at the dentist - not the ZOOM method, the bleaching method. The last time he did the solution and left me, the pain was unbelievable. I yelled out and he came and took everything off. He had to freeze my entire mouth the pain was so bad - shooting pain in all of my teeth. The freezing is wearing off and I am in so much pain I could scream. I als have trays in my mouth with some kind of toothpaste in them to "close" up holes in the enamel that are affecting the interior of my teeth - apparently. I am so sorry I went for this procedure. I will not continue with the home treatment that comes as part of the package. My weekend is ruined - the dentist said it should be better within 24 hours - I am freaking out that it won't be... If I had to live with this kind of pain for long I would end up in the ER.
37. - Tami - 02/15/2008
I had Zoom whitening yesterday on Valentines day. I was very sensitive right after and it has continued to be, but now I have a huge blister on my upper gums!!!! It hurts so bad. I tried to call my dentist today and he is on vacation. I went to my doctor and he gave me viscus lidocaine it helps a little I am also taking vicodin.
38. - john ellis - 02/18/2008
For the person that compared Guantanamo to teeth whitening shame on you, you are a moron.

The burning on the inside of your lips is due to irratiation from the peroxide. This causes swelling and it usually lasts only a few days. I had it but I dealt with it. The dentist didn't offer me a refund, which pissed me off, but I also didn't compare it to Guantanamo. That person is definitely a liberal democrat dumbass.
39. - M - 02/22/2008
Wow, I thought this was about the dangers of teeth whitening, not a place for people to insult each other (and cursing? my my).
Anyway, I just want to thank (almost) EVERYONE!!! I was about to get my teeth whitened tomorrow morning with ZOOM, and now I'm just going to cancel my appointment.
My teeth aren't that yellow, anyway. Definitely not yellow enough for the possibility of extreme pain and burns. My dentist told me it was completely safe and pain-free. hmmph.
40. - Amy - 02/24/2008
Nicole (2/3/2008) I had my zoom treatment on 2/18/08 in a Manhattan office and was burned on the gums above my two front teeth. I am a RN and the dentist tried to dismiss an obvious burn as a "bruise" from the retractor! I have been in pain for a full week nowand am not usually demanding but am insisting on my money back. I also did not have to sign an informed consent and no potential risks were presented to me.
41. - Joseph - 02/25/2008
Mr. Ellis,
No one compared teeth whitening to Guantanamo. Read more carefully. What do you gain by trying to diminish someone else's experience? A number of people are describing blisters and lip swellings, not just sensitivity due to peroxide. The light used with the light activated systems can cause soft tissue damage of this sort. It would seem that this is a faulty system. I think the manufacturers are exposing themselves to liability especially since there doesn't seem to be clear evidence that the lights are even necessary.
To those of you who have been injured, have you pursued any action through the FDA or other means? How can we collectively stop this from happening to someone else?
J
42. - Sutton May - 02/26/2008
I wish that I had researched some of the side effects of having teeth whitened by the "Zoom" process. The sensitivity was something I was already aware of and assumed that was the only problem I would have. The inside of my lips are burned so bad that I don't want to talk or eat anything. I really think it's bad enough to be considered a 2nd degree burn. The gave me some vitamin E oil to put on it which helps but not enough.
43. - tommy - 02/26/2008
Hi everybody... I am doing a research symposium on the harmful effects of teeth whitening and am looking for some useful information and effects of your past situations using various products. I know the topic is a little out there but I need you to continue your stories of the amount of time these burns last. In the near future i will be coming up with a survey that will help my research so please continue. Thanks!!

I would appreciate any stories or information of severe or long-lasting effects when using teeth whitening products. Either post them or send them via email: tommybball58@yahoo.com
44. - KW - 02/26/2008
I had the Zoom today (this was my 2nd time) in 4 years. The first time I had great results with no side effects. Today I got great results but have burns on both my upper and lower lips. My bottom lip is already almost better 8 hours later but I am afraid my upper lip seems to be going up and down with swelling depending on my lip movements. Laughing, eating etc. I have the Vit e oil but am going to try ice (no one has recommended that one).
45. - Suzanne - 02/28/2008
I had the i Brite Express done here in the Coastal Grand Mall in Myrtle Beach. My teeth lightened 7 shades, but when I got home my upper lip was three times as large as normal and bright pink. I looked just like a duck, this morning, I went to the drug store and got sensodine toothpaste, and Orajel, I also took aspirin. This does hurt, very much. There are a couple of second degree burns on both sides of my inner upper lip. A dentist told me that it would scab over like a fever blister and heal completely in two weeks. I am 72 years old and do not recommend this to anyone.
46. - J. S. - 02/29/2008
I had zoom done yesterday afternoon. You see, they don't tell you that if you drank flouridated water when you were younger that those spots that were once hidden in your natural color are intensified by doing zoom. So not only do my teeth look worse then they were before, My gums are bright red, and turning brown on the edges where it meets my teeth. Seriously, reconsider your decision. It's not worth the risk.
47. - G. D. - 03/05/2008
Happend to me. Zoomed yesterday and woke up this morning looking like a bad Goldie Hawn movie. Looks like I've got a good sized second degree burn inside above my upper lip.

The good news is that I didn't wake up a pea brained conservative ass. Whew!
48. - Miss Michigan - 03/09/2008
I attended a home a garden show yesterday in Detroit and they had a booth called Flash aka flashteethwhitening.com 1 15 min. session $99 show special... I thought wow that doesnt sound bad... I did it and when I was done I personally didn't see a big difference to any of the shades.. Im not a smoker, I dont drink coffee, I dont drink red wine so My teeth werent really bad just a lil yellow to me..they offered me to sit down and try another 15 min (free) since I looked so unhappy and said okay ... I had way better results the 2nd time for sure! I was happy and thought cool.. my smile is brighter now.. I proceded on my evening and ended up going to dinner, I had no problems other than my lips felt "numb" they said it would go away no problem. yada yada.. when I got home at 10pm at night my lips started to feel swollen to me... I went to bed and put some carmex on to moisten them. I did not sleep well all night! I must of got up 2-3 times due to my lips feeling weird!! I finally got up out of bed at 8am and looked in mirror and I look like I just got lip implants.. they are huge! I started freekin out and put ice on them for an hour.. they hurt a lil bit here and there.. I get cold sores once a year from the sun and immediately felt like this is one of those moments... I just took a Valtrex hoping nothing blistery comes out. If I wouldve seen this thread before I went to this home show and found this booth I would of passed! I hope the very lil' pain goes away and my lips go back to normal. I don't think the girls working there know about these side effects which take place hours later. The worst thing is I tried looking for the phone # on their website to call but there is none listed and none on the card that I was handed as well. Just email address.
Just think twice before getting something done like this with no knowledge.
49. - Susan - 03/10/2008
I also had the ZOOM treatment on June 1, 2007. I have always had very dry skin and have always used moisturizing lip gloss and have had success making my own. After the treatment, no lip gloss would work on me and my lips would be dry and cracking. I just made my own lip gloss again on Friday, March 7, and now my lips are so uncomfortable and I suspect this is a reaction from the Zoom treatment, albeit months later. On Wednesday, March 5, 2008, my lips were totally dry and cracked, but now after using my own lip gloss on Friday, I have the most uncomfortable feeling on my lips.
50. - Susan - 03/10/2008
I forgot to mention, that now I cannot get my lips to dry out - - it's like their sealed and whatever is there, will not come off, no how. It is the most miserable feeling I have ever felt, and do not believe it came from my lip gloss, which I have made before and used often.
51. - mo - 03/11/2008
no saliva after whitening stripes under my upper lip ,soft tissue damage
52. - Angie - 03/13/2008
I had the zoom treatment done 2 days ago (3/11/08), I have to say, it has to be one of the worst decisions I made in my life. Let me start by saying I asked about the dentist about the treatment and at no time did they tell me I would experience any of this, they didn't even have me sign a consent form indicating the side affects or what to expect. The procedure or shall I say the torture I endured was unbarable, but I figured that's how it was. It was the longest hour of my life. Once the procedure was done I noticed certain parts of my gums were white (which means they were burned), as the day went on, the pain got more and more intense, it was the worst feeling. I took 6 advil's and it did absolutely nothing, I didn't know what I was going to do with myself. The next morning I woke up and felt much better, the pain was almost gone. I went to brush my teeth and I couldn't, my gums are so badly burned that even brushing my teeth gently cause extreme pain to my gums (don't even think about flossing), today is the 2nd day, and once again I couldn't brush my teeth properly b/c of the extreme pain I feel on my gums, I contacted the dentist and they said I could come in to get some floride and it would cost me $18.00 (not to mention the girl that did the procedure to me she got some of that stuff on my gums and they were burned. They really have a nerve, the charged me $450.00 for the procedure, burned me, and expect me to go in and get some floride and pay for their mistakes. Oh, and I forgot to mention my teeth don't even look a shade lighter, that's probably the worst part. I paid all that money, endured all that pain/torture and didn't even get any results. I always get information and do my research before having any procedures done, but I didn't this time, I thought what could possibly go wrong with whitening my teeth: EVERYTHING! To bad I had to learn the hard way. If you're even thinking about getting this done, DON'T! I can't stress that enough, DON'T DO IT!!!!

Sincerly,

IN PAIN
53. - Laura - 03/13/2008
I just had laser whitening done on my teeth yesterday. Right when the procedure was done, I noticed my upper lip was swollen in the middle. They said it was a heat burn and that it was common and to just put vitamin e on it. I had a horrible time sleeping because my teeth hurt so much. I kind of expected that, but what I didn't expect was when I woke up this morning, my upper lip felt numb and swollen. I looked in the mirror and noticed it was about 3 times it's normal size. I look a duck and I don't want to leave the house now. I don't remember the technician putting any protective cream on my upper lip and when I called him this morning, he said that is usually the first thing he does. Well, apparently he forgot this time. I am now waiting for a call back from my dentist to see if there is anything else I can do. From reading stories, it looks like I have blisters to look forward to and who knows when the swelling will go down. I was never given a consent form to sign or any information explaining possible complications. I didn't do research because I figured this is such a common procedure and I totally trusted my dental office. I wouldn't advise anyone to have this procedure done. It definately was not worth this!
54. - G - 03/14/2008
I had zoom whitening on 3-13-08 at 2pm. I knew my teeth and gums were sensitive and expected a lot of pain, but felt it would be worth it to whiten my teeth. After I got home my bottom lip had started to swell. It's the next day and my lip is about 5 times it's normal size. The pain in my teeth has subsided but my lip looks horrible. I am hoping to hear from someone who had a swollen lip and how long it took for it to go down. I have meetings next week and I can't go looking like this.
55. - G - 03/15/2008
My last entry was 3-14-08. Once I started putting ice on my lip the swelling went down considerably. It's almost down to its normal size, but I have blisters on the inside of my bottom lip. If I had not started putting ice on my lip - I don't know what I would look like today.
56. - Karolina - 03/15/2008
Sorry to hear about everyone's troubles. I think the product is obviously faulty. From the research I have done, the injuries are very likely from the light. Use of the light, by the way, has no clear scientific evidence behind it indicating that it has any effect on enhancing tooth whitening. It just increases the possibility of injury. So these companies are marketing harmful products with fraudulent claims. Sounds to me like they are opening themselves to liability claims. Who is interested in trying to stop them from hurting other people?

email me: caroliner[at]onebox.com
K
57. - KT - 03/21/2008
Well - I AM a LAWYER - I DID have this procedure done - and I AM in terrible pain with the same symptoms all of your described. My BURNT lips are in terrible condition, the pain INTENSE, and the liability CLEAR.

ANYONE THINK PROMPT AND CORRECTIVE ACTION IS APPROPRIATE ?I'M IN !!
58. - zeena - 03/21/2008
Hi All,

Im based in the UK and was just doing some research into teeth whitening and came across this site......Your stories have totally put me off ZOOM treatments.....Has anyone tried anything else which is effective but safe? I know i have sensative teeth and the last thing i want is to make them worse and potentially also burn my lips...... any suggestions would be much appreciated...........

Thanks

Zeena
59. - D - 03/22/2008
I too am based in the UK and was researching tooth whitening, and I am horrified at what I have read. Any positive suggestions would be good, if there are any???
60. - Susan - 03/29/2008
Well, I finally went to see a new dermatogolist and he was very nice. My previous derm never even looked at my lips when I saw her about this. Anyhow, the new one did look at my lips and right away, he said something is really doing on your lips. It is - cheilitis sicca - and I asked what that was and he said it's from UV rays. I told him I'm not in the sun at all and that's when he said it could have been done with the Zoom. He gave me cortisone ointment and told me to put it on 4 time each day for one week. He said I would feel something horrible on my lips, maybe for 3 days, but if I can overcome that horrible feeling, he said your lips could get back before the Zoom. He said, see the mountain? I said yes. He said you're on the ground and have to climb up to the top of the mountain. He said try to use the cortisone each day. Because it's horrible with 3 days, he said a lot of people stop the applications because they cannot overcome that feeling. He said it's very hard but just keep thinking that your lips will be better after this.
61. - Susan - 03/29/2008
This morning my lips felt greasy and then that went away and I went to work and got there at 11:30. Then the next application was at 1:00 p.m. and right after that, I started feeling a vert strong pulling sensation started on my lower lip and that immediately told me that this Cortisone is working great and pulling the cheilitis sicca out of my lips. He said there was just a little of that on my top lip, but most of it was on the bottom. He said usually it is just on the bottom, but we know because of the Zoom, there was a little of that on the top lip.
62. - Rushda - 03/29/2008
I had the in-office zoom whitening two days ago (03/27/08). During the treatment I told the technician that my lips are burning. She looked at it and said that it looks dry. She applied some vitamin E gel to it and carried on with the 2nd session. During the 2nd session it was burning even more. I told the technician again and again she said it was dry. When I was done with the procedure I was in tremendous amount of pain plus my upper lip was swollen quite a bit. The dentist stepped in at this point to see how my teeth came out and I told her that my lips are burning and swollen. She just gave the technician a looks as to say 'what did you do'. Before leaving the dentist's office, I was given more of the vitamin E gel to apply to my "dry lips". All night I applied the gel in hope that it will help. Well it didn’t because the next morning I woke up to what appeared to be a collagen lip job gone bad. I was horrified and to top it I had a few blisters inside my lip. I immediately took photos of my lips to keep just in case I decide to take further action.

Later during the day I went to the dentist office to show my dentist what happened. Coincidently my dentist had left the office and one of her partners checked out my lips. The partner wasn’t really helpful and was very much disconcerted about what I was going through. She actually was getting quite annoyed at my hostility. She told me that I will have to live with it for the next couple of days and apply more of the vitamin E oil even though I mentioned to her that it hasn’t been helping. The second day after the treatment I was in even more pain than the previous day. My inner upper lip and gums are totally sore that eating, brushing my teeth and even drinking liquids hurt. I called the emergency number of the dentist to speak again to my dentist to find out that she is out of town. I spoke to another partner of hers and was told to rinse my mouth out with warm salt water and to apply aquaphor to my lips. The warm salted water seemed to have given relief but only at the time of rinsing. My husband went to Walgreens to get the aquaphor just to be told by the pharmacist that it is used for cracked skin not to be used on the inside of your mouth. Real dumb advice from the dentist. During the course of the day it started to feel swelling spreading to my nose and that my nose was very sore along the cartilage area. I decided to go to doctor just to find out that the inside of my lips and gums are infected. I am now on antibiotics for the next 7 days and have to rinse my mouth with a lidocaine to numb the pain I am enduring. If I knew that this was going to happen I would have never done it especially for the price I had to pay for it. And the cherry on top of my story is that my teeth are not as white as I expected it to be.

Do anyone think that I can take legal action against my dentist or zoom or even both?
63. - Rushda - 03/29/2008
BTW, my dentist never told me that this could be a side effect plus I never signed any indemnity forms. I want a refund but wonder whether I would get one. I paid $400 for pure torture.
64. - Rushda - 03/29/2008
KT...please advice whether legal action could/should be taken.
65. - Susan - 03/30/2008
KT - I would be interested also where any legal action should be taken again my dentist (who denies that anything went wrong with the Zoom - even after I showed him the then 18 pages of the comments on this website). He also said, those people's problems are only temporary and not ongoing like my lip gloss problems. All he did was give me a prescription for the blister on my top lip.
66. - Susan - 03/30/2008
There should definitely be action again the ZOOM machine. I don't like the fact that I got cheilitis sicca from the UV Ray light used during the whitening process. Something should be done!!!!!
67. - Susan - 03/30/2008
Does anyone even know the website for ZOOM? I can't seem to find it - I wonder why?!?! They are probably receiving tons of complaints.
68. - Susan - 03/30/2008
Is the Zoom made by Discus Dental? I found their website. Has anyone sent them an email or submitted a comment?
69. - ron - 03/30/2008
i just got my teeth whiting by zoom on 3/29/08 but when they were doing the whiting my whole front teeths felt like the were being drill with a drill. a very shrap shrap pain on them. when i was done my upper lip looked like o blown up ballon swollen and this morning is wrost. its bigger then before. can any help please.. how would it be this last. anyone thats has advise please shareit with me........ next time i make sure i do sum research before doing anything to my mouth especialy whiting.. DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT USE ZOOM TO WHITING YOUR TEETH ITS VERY VERY PAINFUL
70. - Rushda - 03/31/2008
I suggest to everyone to take photos of the different stages that their lip goes through after having this dreadful zoom. Do anyone have any tying to a law firm that is willing to take on a class action case against Discus Dental?
71. - jm - 03/31/2008
I did write a letter to discuss dental/zoom, but i never received a response from them.
72. - Susan - 04/02/2008
I work for an attorney but he cannot do a class action suit. I'll join in also if someone knows who will do it. We all need to join in to go against Discus Dental for making the Zoom Whitening. So many of us have had permanent damage to our lips.
73. - Karen - 04/03/2008
Hi,
I was thinking of having my teeth whitened with Zoom for my sons wedding so that my smile is whiter. However, after reading these horror stories I'm not going to take a chance. It is totally not worth it.
74. - Susan - 04/03/2008
Can any of you tell me what you have done to help your lip damage from the UV ray lamp? My new dermatologist says the reason no lip gloss will work for me is because my lips were damaged from the UV ray lamp. I'm just looking for answers or remedies. If I let my lips dry out, they will become very chapped because I need some sort of moisturizer on them. Again, no lip gloss works - just cakes up on my lips. I'm desperate for an answer.
75. - Maria - 04/08/2008
I just came back from having my teeth whitened with Zoom and I, thankfully, was not burned. My mouth and lips are a little sore but the biggest problem is the unbearable sensitivity of my teeth!!! I can't concentrate on anything else. I had no idea that this would be such a problem and I don't know what to do. I had to leave work because I felt like pulling all of my teeth out. I love the results but I will not be getting Zoom again.
76. - Susan - 04/09/2008
In answer to MARIA - my lips were not burned either, but something surely did happen to them the day I had the Zoom, because I have never been able to use lip gloss again because of being exposed to the UV Ray lamp. I didn't have blisters or cold sores either, but this is a huge problem for me and I'm begging for a solution to return my lips to some normalcy so that I can at least enjoy food again. I'm losing weight over this problem adn I don't need to lose any!
77. - ISC - 04/12/2008
I, too, had the ZOOM done yesterday - although, I was aware of the "zingers" but did not expect pure torture. And I, too, had both my top and bottom lip burned inside - my top lip blew up immediately once the ZOOM mouthpiece was removed from my mouth. I thought I had an allergic reaction. I would not recommend this procedure to anyone. It's not worth it. For the pain, I find Advil to be most helpful and ice for the swelling. It's day 2 and the swelling has subsided just a bit, but my interior lips have huge white blisters - yuck! And ouch :( I am unable to brush without passing out. I believe the problem is the ZOOM machine and not the dentists - we all had this procedure done by different dentists with the same ZOOM machine. My dentist took time applying all the necessary protection and I still got burned. Stupid ZOOM!
78. - Susan - 04/16/2008
Actually, my bottom lip was burned with Zoom, as my dermatologist examined me. He said one exposure to the UV ray lamp will damage the lips, and in my case, particularly the bottom one. I am now using a true aloe vera plant and cutting 1" of the stem off and then cut that in half and the liquid will start coming out. I'm with a new doctor who told me to buy those plants and he said it will heal the burn on my bottom lip. I hope he's right.
79. - TeethWhiteningReviews.com - 04/17/2008
We have created a submission form for those of you who are interested in joining a class action suit against Discus Dental (the makers of Zoom! Whitening).

Visit this link:
http://www.teethwhiteningreviews.com/zoom-whitening-class-action-lawsuit.php
80. - David - 04/18/2008
I had Boost three weeks ago. Almost the same as Zoom. No light but burned gums and sensitive teeth. Understatement!!!!!!!!!!!
I cant sleep. Have been to the dentist twice,ER once and my GP. Nobody can help me.
The dentist said that whatever was wrong was my fault and I did it to myself!
Swishing with lidocane/malox compound,what a life. The dentist should be hung.
81. - Susan - 04/19/2008
David, so sorry to hear your gums were burned and now teeth sensitive. It's so horrible about Zoom and Boost! Join the class action.
82. - Olivia - 04/21/2008
For all of you who are wondering about swollen burnt lips and healing time - PLS READ - it will put your mind at ease....
I also suffered from a burnt upper lip after receiving the zoom treatment 4 days ago. It was awful and I iced it for a day and then used vaseline. Now on day 4 it is much better and I am now using a steroid cream from the doctor - it has healed instantly.
I also got a FULL refund from my dentist, who I think was in shock from the whole experience. He had never seen a patient with this kind of reaction before.
The good news is my lip is nearly back to normal, I am not out of pocket, and I will never bother with comestic uplifts again.
Regards,
Olivia

83. - Colleen - 04/22/2008
I wish I had found this page before I had my procedure today. Same story burnt lips and extreme pain during treatment. I hope the swelling goes down soon because I am getting married in a few weeks. Love the color but the pain is not worth it!

Colleen
84. - Olivia - 04/22/2008
Colleen
I suggest you ice it as much as possible for the first day and then see a dcotor who can prescribe a cortisone cream (containing steroids). It will clear up way way quicker if you use this kind of prescribed cream. I would give it 5 days and you should be back to normal.
Best of luck for your wedding!
Olivia
85. - Abraham - 04/28/2008
With 84% of adults rating a whiter smile as key to winning at life, sales of over the counter teeth whitening products have soared. Although over the counter (OTC) products such as whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, and brush-on bleaching solutions claim immediate results, they often produce marginal results and eventually end up requiring quite an investment. Today, online shoppers are discovering that the cosmetic dentistry labs being used by local dentists to produce lasting Teeth Whitening results are available directly to the public too.

Abraham
86. - Kelley - 04/29/2008
I had my teeth zoomed 2 weeks ago today and I am still on antibiotics and I have constant dry mouth. Just went for my second follow up since the procedure. The gum between my front teeth actually turned black the next day. I called the dentist and I was told it was not an issue that I would feel better in a couple of days. She did want to see me a week later when I called to complain about the gum (the part that turned black) around my front teeth falling out. The dentist actually left the room to call the people at Zoom for advice. I now have a gap between my teeth. When I questioned about what type of burn it was (chemical or heat), I was told I must have been allergic to the gel they coat the gums with. I am not sure how I can have an allergic reaction concentrated so severely in one spot and not have an issue anywhere else. I am not buying it. It is a burn! From the postings it appears that is the same response a lot of people are getting from their dentist. Zoom must provide this excuse to dentist as part of their training. I am now waiting to see if the gum will grow back in. I paid $450 dollars and it was my dentist who recommended that I have the procedure. I had never even heard of it before. Anyone who is considering having this done, DON'T! It is extremely painful and dangerous as far as I am concerned
87. - Billy - 05/02/2008
I ALSO HAD THE ZOOM TREATMENT THE OTHER DAY ITS TWO DAYS LATER I FEEL AS THOUGH SOMEONE PUT A HOT COAL BETWEEN MY LIPS SAY FOR 5 SECONDS.THEN SAD TRY TO EAT AND TALK YOU GOT ZOOMED.I TOLD THE DENTIST TO JUST FINISH ME OFF WITH A BASEBALL BAT.
88. - Stacie - 05/06/2008
I had the Brite Smile whitening done and have the exact same issue with the swollen lips! Both my upper and lower lip are swollen 3x their normal size. I was never told that this would be a side effect and they NEVER put any protective cream on my lips. They got some of the chemical on my lips (I could feel it, but they never bothered to get it off). They gave me vitamin E and quickly shuffled me out of the office before other patients could see me. My lips are even more swollen the following day and there is no way I can go in to work! I look like a duck and my lips are numb from the extreme sweling. I also have white burns on my gums inside my mouth.

This procedure is NOT safe and should not be done.
89. - Crystal - 05/08/2008
I got the Sapphire system from my dentist yesterday - it's a take home whitening system that uses a custom fit mouth insert and gel. I wore the mouth inserts with the gel in them for an hour this morning and when I took them out I noticed a small, white dot on my lower lip in the left corner. I assume it's because i got some gel on my lip and it burned. it doesn't hurt and my teeth aren't sensitive (yet) but i had no idea the gel would burn the soft tissues. . . I will be more careful next time I apply this gel!
90. - Steve - 05/13/2008
I am getting married Sat. 5/24/08. My finance and I went to the dentist this morning to get our teeth whitened, although neither of our teeth need it that bad. She had hers done 1st and me next. She was fine. (We did not do Zoom, we did Saphire, which is the same thing, the dentist had both, but this was safer than Zoom.) Midway through my treatment one of my teeth was hit with a ZAP so intense I jumped out of my seat!! My finance ran and got the dentist he came and thought it was my gums, he wanted me to finish but I started having multiple ZAPs all over, I took it all off fast and rinsed with a fluoride mouth was, didn't help. It is 5 hours later and I am searching online for a remedy, I continue to have the ZAPs in random teeth 2 or 3 times every 5 minutes. It is one of the most painful things I have ever felt and I wrestled in middle school and high school, I have broke my arm and collar bone, I had all four wisdom teeth pulled, none of that holds a candle to what I feel right now. I would never do this again, I hope it stops soon. Every time I think its done I get a surprise POP that sends my body into a jolt. I'm not very religious, but I keep praying for relief, I don't know what else to do.
91. - Sirmalik - 05/15/2008
They should call this product Zoom Doom!!!!!!!!! I just had this done and im in the worst type of pain. They packed my mouth well and it still hurts. I had four 15 mins sessions and i wanted to jump out the chair after the third. My lips are fine but my teeth and gums feel like they are being ripped out my mouth. I will never EVER USE A PRODUCT THAT THE COMPANY DOES NOT GUARANTEE!!!!!!!!!PLEASE BEWARE OF THIS PRODUCT MY TEETH ARE ONLY A FEW SHADES WHITER AND WITH ALL THE PAIN INVOLVED IT IS NOT WORTH IT. DO NOT BECOME A ZOOM VICTIM!!!
92. - Susan C. - 05/17/2008
Help....I had the zoom procedure two days ago and I experienced much the same as others. My bottom lip is swollen three times it's size and the blister covers the entire middle. I cannot eat, I cannot talk and have had to miss work. I tried to tell them my lip burned and was numb and they told me it was due to the pulling of the lip that made it numb. I couldn't wait to get out of there, I really didn't care about the whiteness of my teeth since the pain was too great after the procedure. I am using vitamin E non stop does anyone else have any other solutions that have help? How can we get the word out about this stuff to unsuspecting patients????
93. - Tom - 05/20/2008
Thank you all for posting these comments against Zoom! whitening. I did reseacrh and a presentation discussing the harmful effects of teeth whitening. (Susan, I used your case of Cheilitis as an example in the presentation) I recommend not using trays or white strips, as Georgetown University Hospital observed two patients with extreme ORAL CANCER who were also constant users of these peroxide-based products. I also suggest (no matter how inexpensive) not using teeth whitening procedures from an unpopular source, such as stands in malls, etc. They are most likely uncertified and are definitely dangerous. I will not be doing ANY teeth whitening myself with all the research I have done. I am sorry for your situations with whitening treatments and I higly recommend joining the class-action lawsuit against Zoom! and these other harmful procedures.
Thanks,
Tom
94. - Marlon - 05/21/2008
i had my zoom done at 12noon today & already had my upper lip swollen a little bit. tried to eat but couldnt.was in soo much pain took tylenol at 6pm and went to bed.my wife woke me up & told me my upper lip has swollen 2x its size. i think angelina jolie would have been proud of my lip. looking back i should have had botox instead..
95. - Julia - 05/27/2008
I had Zoom done a few days ago and now my teeth are splotchy - yellow and white. I'm getting married in 5 weeks - will this go away?
Has this happened to anyone else and did it eventually go away?

I'll take my old yellow teeth any day over half marble colored yellow and bright white teeth.

I would not reccomend this procedure. If you are considering doing it before a special event (wedding, etc.) go far before in case you have an adverse reaction.
96. - Admin - 05/27/2008
Hi Julia,

Sorry to hear about this. Your dentist should have warned you.

The good news is that the spots usually go away in 1-2 weeks (teeth need to rehydrate). My recommendation is to WAIT! Another option is to *continue* whitening until all the teeth match the color of the white spots. You can get a takehome custom mold tray and continue whitening at home using high concentration hydrogen peroxide. Have you discussed your problem with the dentist?
97. - Julia - 05/27/2008
Thanks so much for your response. I'm relived to hear that. I think I will certainly wait it out as you advise. My dentist thought it would go away on its own as well, but I was looking for another opinion since I've lost some trust in him for not telling me about any of the potential dangers prior to the treatment.

Thanks again!
Julia

98. - Heather - 05/31/2008
I had the zoom done yesterday and some of the bleaching agent seeped through onto my gums. I now have black/purple/white gums all across my front two teeth. I'm going to continue to take pictures as the time goes on. I am scared. Another post said that her gums fell off! If my gums fall off where this burn is, it'll be disgusting! I have recommended that my husband not have this procedure done on himself. Granted, my teeth are much whiter, but I don't think it is worth it at all!
99. - suzi - 06/02/2008
I had the ZOOM treatment in July 07, the treatment was pure hell!!! I was in pain the whole 45 minutes! Not being able to move,my legs were thrashing from the shockwaves running threw my teeth!! The Dr. came in and handed me a note pad to see what was wrong, I couldn't even remember how to spell!
For the rest of that day, all I did was twitch from continuous jolting pain.
Now to why I am adding my 2 cents.
I have always had senitive teeth,now x'S that by 100.. My front tooth (#9) starting feeing weird.It felt loose, but it wasn't. When I had my teeth cleaned in Dec. I mentioned this and they said it is probally due to my grinding. Well, in April I went back and had them take a x-ray of tooth #9...
I HAVE ROOT RESORPTION!!!!!!! The tooth is eating itself from the inside out !!! Very rare... I am now scheduled for a root canal, then a crown !!!! My teeth maybe brighter, but it is NOT worth it!! Hopefully it is only one tooth !!!
100. - Admin - 06/02/2008
I'm so sorry to hear this. There are some articles related to this rare occurrence:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1745520

Has your dentist looked into stopping the resorption with calcium hydroxide?
101. - larry - 06/03/2008
The sensitivity is pure hell! I don't recommend anyone to go through this pain from my experience. The shocking pain is too much to bear at times. I would rather get punched in the face than to experience this re-occuring pain. The Zoom Whitening pain is excruciating!!!
102. - Donna - 06/06/2008
I had my teeth whitened yesterday. There was no protective gel used on my lips or gums. the technician advised me to smile big the entire time. Thanks to smiling big, my gums were burned white. The soft palate underneath my tongue has swollen to the size of a small egg. The zingers were so painful and lasted throughout the procedure. The technician kept saying they would stop but when they did not, she said I must have a hairline crack in my tooth. After seeing my blistered and white gums, she said I must have some sort of sensitivity as it normally doesn't happen. The gum directly over the tooth that had the zinger pain is now and open sore. if I had known the consequences, I never would have had my teeth whitened in this way. This is day two and I'm still in a lot of pain.
103. - SoCal Samii - 06/11/2008
My Zoom whitening was done by a qualified dentist a few months ago. I was blessed to NOT experience the reactions mentioned on this site. I loved the results, but was not happy with the tooth sensitivity. Further research indicates the sensitivity may be caused by flouride and nitrates in the applied gel dehydrating the dentin.
I recently learned t I could only purchase gel from a dentist. One dentist wanted $79/syringe! That did not make me happy. Thank goodness for the Internet - I purchased a comparable product of equal strength without flouride. The price was far more reasonable. I'll see if it whitens without sensitivity and tooth damage.

104. - DebPeg - 06/13/2008
First, I want all of you to know how sorry I am for the pain and misery you have all experienced; it sounds like a total nightmare. I've given birth and I know there's nothing worse than what you've experienced. When I was last in to see my dentist for a cleaning, the hygienist asked me if I had ever considered having my teeth whitened. I drink coffee and tea, and also smoke, so I had considered it but told her I would look into it first. I generally use a whitening toothpaste which keeps the discoloration within reasonable expectations, and I also see my dentist regularly for cleanings. I can't believe people are taking advantage of our vanity in such a haphazard manner. Many of you have stated you anticipated it to be a one-time thing, for a special occasion, only to end up being permanently maimed. Mouth infections are not only excrutiatingly painful, but can lead to other much more serious physical conditions. I'll live with my slightly yellow but healthy teeth, thank you, and the next time someone asks me if I've considered having my teeth whitened I'll ask them if they've considered sky diving without a parachute. None of you are to blame for what has happened to you. As I said, it was offered and somewhat urged by my dental technician. If there ever comes a time when I have a real need for cosmetic or reconstructive dentistry, I'll make sure its done by a certified professional, and even then only if its covered by insurance. I can't even begin to imagine what you are all going through (I've read every single one of your posts), but I do hope you are able to regain your quality of life and you are successful in obtaining some sort of relief and recompense for your suffering. As a person who has benefitted from your experiences and your kind sharing of them, I owe you a debt of gratitude. If anyone has the gall to mention anything about the color of my teeth in the future, I know where to tell them to go. Bless each of you.
105. - David - 06/14/2008
I've had zoom and boost. Three years ago with the zoom just sensitivity horrible for 2 days. BOOST 3 months ago finally today I can say my teeth and gums are back to normal. That's right it took 3 months to heal.The ADA can go ****themselfs!!!!!!!!!!!!
And so can the North Vally family dentist practice all of them ignorant bitches.
106. - Dr. Lynn - 06/16/2008
I'm really sorry to hear that there are so many people that have had such a horrible experience with the Zoom in office bleaching. I'm a dentist and have been successfully whitening teeth for several years with the Zoom light, Britesmile, and the custom trays.

Let me first say that I don't recommend the Zoom light to everyone. I strongly urge people to try the custom whitening trays first because it's cheaper and just as effective. As a dentist, I can offer three strengths of bleach depending on your sensitivity levels. It is normal to experience mild to moderate cold and air sensitivity but it ususally doesn't last more than 24 hours. This does take around 10 sessions of wearing the trays to get the best result and I tell my patients to skip a day inbetween if the sensitivy bothers them. And you still have to be careful you don't put too much bleach in the trays because it can cause a sensation like a pizza burn.

I only recommend Zoom to patients who know they will not or cannot wear the trays. It's good for the busy traveller who may lose their trays or can't remember to wear them. If someone does have an upcoming event, I definitely recommend doing it at least 2 weeks ahead of time in case there is any discomfort or swelling. It cost more because it does take up chairtime that could otherwise be used for other procedures. The sensitivity is different in the form of zingers (shock like sensations that I have experienced first hand- they made me irritable but subsided after 24hrs but everyone has different thresholds) and tissue irritation. There is a lot of protection that we try to apply to avoid any burning but the bleach is clear and difficult to see. Burning and pain is not common during the procedure and you should have the dentist stop the light if you feel this.

I've had maybe 5 patients who have experienced this burning. One person tried to repeatedly use her cellphone despite our warnings. The others could have very well been our fault. We are human and don't mean to cause discomfort. Again the bleach is clear and looks like saliva if on the tissues. I will say that Vitamin E gel, ibuprofen, or a mild narcotic or ointment such as lidex prescibed by your dentist may help. The pain may get gradually worse before better, similar to the way an apthous ulcer comes on.

I realize that I may be bashed for my comments and career but I am trying to help. I'm sure there are some "ignorant bitches" out there but I hope they are in the minority. Millions of people have successfully bleached without major discomfort. I have bleached my own teeth as well as my family's teeth and would not have done so unless I felt it could be done safely and effectively.

So good luck out there!
107. - Kim Downey - 06/17/2008
I have had resorption in two teeth. Does anyone else out there think it's from bleach?
108. - Victoria - 06/18/2008
Thank you so much for all your comments out there, and I truly hope you all get better quickly. I had my Zoom appointment scheduled for 9 am tomorrow morning, but just called and canceled. I will not be rescheduling - Doesn't sound like this procedure should be allowed!
109. - Heather - 06/22/2008
I just wanted to re-post and let you all know how it is a couple of weeks later. I had the zoom whitening done and it burnt my gums. The good news is that they did not fall off. They were nasty for about two weeks, but even though that happened I would do the whitening again! I am actually incredibly happy with it. I am actually going through a whole series of fixing my teeth right now. My parents were not rich and didn't have dental insurance when I was young, so my smile has never really been picture perfect. Every person at my dentist's office is incredibly nice and felt so bad about what happened to me with my gums. My dentist even called me personally to make sure I was doing okay and to see if I needed anything for the pain.

In other words, I don't think that the dentist's office should be blamed or called inappropriate names. I believe many dentists get into the profession to help people (such as me) to once again be able to have a beautiful smile :) ...

I do, however believe that the patient needs to be given more warning information from the dentist's office before deciding on the procedure.
110. - Brandy - 06/22/2008
I had zoom done on Friday... the procedure was not that bad, but the after effects OH MY GOD!! I know that Zoom recommends 3 sessions at 15 mins each, but my dentist did 4 15 min sessions (with the light) and then another 30 minutes without the light.

I had the zingers for a little while too, but my main problem is that I had one of my front bottom teeth begin to itch (kinda inside my gums) and now here we are 2 days later and my whole inside lip/gums on the bottom is swollen and sore. My chin even hurts from this whole thing.

I am not sure what to do, I have taken pain killers and am taking some antibiotics just in case, but I am thinking maybe I should call the dentist tomorrow and make sure this is "normal".
111. - Jesna - 07/01/2008
Anybody tried "Flash" teeth whitening?
112. - Eva - 07/02/2008
I didn't do a whole lot of research on Zoom before I decided to have the in-office procedure, however I did research my dentist and am so happy I did after reading your comments. I'm Irish and as I had booked a holiday to New York in September 2007 I decided to have the teeth whitening done over there, partly because it is alot less expensive to have Zoom carried out in the United States and partly because I know people who had it done in Ireland and the results were poor. I guess I am lucky as I had a positive experience but I don't think it is all down to luck if I'm being honest, Yes, some people are more sensitive than others, but I do really believe that it depends on the skill and knowledge of the dentist how carries out the procedure. I had four 15 minute sessions and my dentist repeateadly checked on me throughout the whole procedure which lasted approximately 2 hours. Yes, I did experience a few zingers but they were tolerable and I had absolutely no burning to my gums or lips. About four hours after the procedure my teeth became extremely sensitive and I had to take painkillers but my dentist had told me to expect this. The day after this pain had almost totally subsided, it is almost a year since I had Zoom and my teeth are probably a little more sensitive than they were before but its not bad. The results were fantastic, I came back home to Ireland and everyone was amazed at how white my teeth were. I am so sorry for any of you guys who have gone through such pain, its obvious this procedure does not suit everyone. For those who are still thinking of having it done my advice is to research the dentist and dental clinic thoroughly because it can mean the difference between a