What are ways to whiten teeth with sensitive gums?

Perio-protect gel.: Regular whitening products may cause sensitivity in the gums, particularly if you use too much in a custom-made tray. Perio-protect uses a weaker form of hydrogen peroxide (1.7%) and should result in less sensitivity. It will take longer to get the effect you want, but it will happen. You need to see a dentist familiar with perio protect to get the prescription.

Use care: Trays that are trimmed just to the gum line work best. There is a product called "lumibrite" by denmat. The 32% formulation needs to be in the mouth only 3 minutes! I have found this to be the best. Also, many patients like putting a thin layer of vaseline along the gum line before placing the tray.

Limit bleaching time: Get custom bleaching trays from your dentist and tell him that you only want them to cover the teeth - not the gums. Then ask for a weak bleach like day white 9.5%. Only use it for 15 minutes per session and bleach every other day. The other option is to have your teeth bleached in office with a system like zoom.