problems with Zoom Archives

I have been thinking about getting my teeth whitened and have called to a couple dentist offices about Zoom. Unfortunately it’s too expensive for me. One of the dentists I called said he could give me some take home whitening system but it wasn’t Zoom. I came across this mall kiosk that offered bleaching and I think it said it was Zoom. But how can they offer Zoom whitening for only a hundred bucks? Is it too good to be true?

– Gina in Georgia

Gina,

Your instincts are probably correct. The mall kiosk whitening system is likely not Zoom whitening. Maybe they had a sign that said it was comparable or like Zoom. But Zoom whitening is created to be done by a professional dentist. They need to oversee the whitening process to ensure everything goes well. It is difficult to give you much more info on that mall whitening kiosk because there is no way to know what kind of whitening agent or active ingredient it contains. It is possible it is hydrogen peroxide or possibly carmaide peroxide. If it does actually contain these agents, it may be effective. Again, there is just no way to know for sure without going back and asking more about it.

Many people jump into a deal like the one at the mall and then have problems because the staff typically aren’t dental professionals. At a dental office the whole treatment and visit will be closely monitored and you know without a doubt their products are strong and will deliver dramatic results. A dentist cannot offer this type of system without certain safety processes in place.

There are Zoom-like systems outside of dentist offices that have left people with horror stories like burned gums and extremely sensitive teeth. So although the teeth whitening deal is good, it’s still best to go through a dentist’s office.

Another important factor that isn’t controlled in a mall setting is the sterilization. There is a good chance the equipment to properly sanitize the equipment and instruments is not available in a retail setting. Again, you are also dealing with potentially untrained staff. So there is likely an increased risk for infection occurring in a non-controlled environment.

At the off-chance the mall retailer you are referring to does offer Zoom whitening, remember it’s the professional that is administering it that is the most important. So be careful. Maybe it would be wise to look into the take-home trays that the dentist you called was mentioning. Although, the results take a little longer, take-home professional teeth whitening is very effective if done correctly. Take home trays are also less expensive.

My gums felt strange yesterday during the Zoom whitening procedure I had done. They kind of tingled a little, bit but it wasn’t too bad. When I told the dental assistant, she kind of adjusted something but didn’t say anything else about it. The tingling kept happening. Again, it was never painful, but it was noticeable. Well, at home overnight my gums hurt really bad. The annoying pain kept me up during the night and then in the morning I am noticing they look puffy. They also have white in them in places, almost like a little blister. No one told me I would be in pain! Do I need to go back into the dentist? What’s happening?

– Diane in Maryland

Diane,

Sorry that you are having to go through this. Based on the symptoms you have described, it sounds like you had a reaction to the Zoom whitening agent. Most dental offices will be very careful to prevent this from happening when they protect your gums. But every once in awhile, the gums can be exposed and the white blister you are describing sounds like you have experienced a chemical burn. This sounds frightening, and although very uncomfortable, it is typically a minor issue.

The gums will heal from a burn similarly to other parts of the body. For example, the blister may peel and then after a week or two, the skin should be healed.

If it continues to be bothersome, feel free to take Ibuprofen and be very careful while eating and brushing your teeth. You don’t want to further irritate that area of the gums. It would be wise to call into the dentist office to see if he or she has any other recommendations or precautions. At the very least, if you were sent home with teeth whitening trays, you will not want to use those until the area has completely healed. A warm, salt rinse will help aid the healing of the gum tissue and prevent infection.

Again, feel free to contact the office so they are aware of the situation. But you shouldn’t have to go back in unless the area is not healing after 5-7 days. Sorry to hear you had a negative experience with Zoom.

Is the mall teeth whitening really Zoom?

No one told me I’d be in pain after Zoom!