As seen on Allure, Dr. Hadaegh recommends one of his favorite drugstore teeth-whitening kits.
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In an ideal world, brushing your teeth routinely would be enough to keep your set of pearly whites, well, pearly and white between routine dentist appointments. But alas, for many of us (particularly those of us with a serious coffee habit), that’s just not the case. We feel moved to hit up the local drugstore for whitening products to freshen up our smiles — perhaps without giving much thought to what those products actually are and how they work.
“Tooth enamel [is] a crystal,” Matthew Messina, DDS, spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), says. “If you were to look at tooth enamel under a really powerful microscope, [the structure] kind of looks like chicken wire” (or wire mesh). He explains that removing stains within the matrix of the tooth enamel is like getting out dirt stuck in chicken wire: “So what happens in whitening is we want to…open the matrix and bubble out that color, the stain, and then close it back up.”
That’s where peroxide comes in. Dr. Messina says peroxide causes that bubbling to occur, so the active ingredient in whitening kits you buy will be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (a diluted version of hydrogen peroxide). “Carbamide peroxide is used because it’s a comparatively stable compound,” Neil Hadaegh, DDS, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Beverly Hills, California says. “This helps the
manufacturer to insure product quality and consistency at the consumer’s end.” Dr. Messina notes that aside from the peroxide, over-the-counter whitening products usually contain some additional ingredient to improve the taste.
Peroxide is the main active ingredient in the products dentists use to do professional whitening in their offices, too. The only difference is the concentration. “If we’re doing something where we can mask off the gum tissue…where the gum tissues are protected, we can use a stronger whitening agent…because it’s only touching the teeth,” Dr. Messina says. “Something you’re using over-the-counter has the potential to touch the gum tissues or be swallowed. So, we have to use a much lower strength of the active ingredient because…it might burn [the patient’s] gum tissues.” Professionals, on the other hand, “can take all the necessary precautions to make sure the gum tissue is safe and protected and the whitening agent is only getting on the tooth enamel that we want whiter.”
Ultimately, Dr. Messina says that all over-the-counter, peroxide-based whiteners will deliver comparable results as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. One ingredient to steer clear of? Hydrated silica. Dr. Hadaegh says that the substance is “made from a crystallized compound found in quartz and sand [and] can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue.” Aside from that, Giri Palani, DDS, a dentist in Beverly Hills and Palos Verdes, California says the most important thing is to look for when you’re shopping is ease of use. “Also, [you] want to make sure that the product you buy has a good shelf life and you store the product properly ([in] the refrigerator will last longer),” he says.
Once you have a kit, Dr. Messina says you can use it for seven to 10 days to start, and then once every other week or so for maintenance. Before you do so, though, consider taking a trip to the dentist for your standard teeth cleaning and to consult on your at-home whitening plans. “Tooth whitening is something that should only be done in a healthy mouth situation,” he says. “If somebody has cavities or periodontal disease, or some other reason why their teeth aren’t white, whitening is not the right choice for them. That’s why it’s always good to have a thorough examination done by your dentist before starting on a whitening program.” Not to mention, if you do the whitening right after having your teeth cleaned at the dentist, Dr. Messina says, you’ll be whitening your tooth enamel itself rather than the tartar or build-up on top of it. Regardless, he says, involving your dentist in the discussion will help you ensure you’re taking the right path.
Once you have that conversation, consider one of these over-the-counter kits.
1. Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit, $44.99 (target.com)
There’s no doubt that Crest Whitestrips are one of the most recognizable over-the-counter teeth whitening systems available. It seems almost as if they’ve been around forever — and professionals still love ‘em. “Over the counter, I recommend Crest 3D White Whitestrips,” Dr. Hadaegh says. “A lot of my patients who naturally have whiter teeth or slightly discolored teeth are happy with the results.”
Dr. Palani is also a big advocate of whitening strips. “I have had great results with the strips,” he says. “When people use strips properly, they can get very close to professional whitening.”
2. Plus White 5 Minute Dental Whitening Kit, $11.49 (riteaid.com)
When it comes to tray options, Lana Rozenberg, DDS, a New-York-City-based cosmetic dentist, likes Plus White’s 5 Minute system. They cause “very little [tooth] sensitivity, [and they’re] less expensive than the strips but a bit easier, due to the trays,” she says.
3. Dr. Collins All White 22% Bleaching System, $20.49 (target.com)
“The strips or the trays are more effective than the pens because of the prolonged contact of the gel to the tooth,” Dr. Rozenberg says. But, Dr. Rozenberg notes, over-the-counter trays are one-size-fits-all, and the looser ones could allow more gel to seep out. A custom-fit, take-home tray from your dentist is the most ideal scenario, but you can get these “boil-n-bite” trays, which you can (at least somewhat) mold to your teeth, from drugstores. Just be sure to follow all instructions, and let the tray cool enough that you don’t burn yourself when putting it in your mouth!
4. Walgreens Extreme Whitening Wraps, $14.99 (walgreens.com)
Dr. Messina agrees that prolonged contact of whitener with teeth is key. “What we have to do is keep the whitening agent on the teeth,” he says. “So strips or trays have a better ability to keep the whitening agent against the teeth [than other products like pens] because [the whitening agent is] only effective as long as it stays there and saliva doesn’t wash [it] off.” If you’re having trouble finding trays that fit your mouth well, these more fitted wraps from Walgreens could do the trick.
5. Hager Pharma Mirawhite Oxygen Tooth Whitening Pen, $31.99 (cvs.com)
That’s not to say you can’t use whitening pens; they just may be more difficult to use effectively. “That’s the challenge with something like a pen,” Dr. Messina says. “Can you keep the teeth isolated? Can you keep your mouth open long enough and your lips away from the teeth long enough for it to work? And if you can do that, they’re very effective.”
6. CVS Platinum Whitening Kit,
Dr. Rozenberg says that over-the-counter whitening kits should contain from 10 to 35 percent carbamide peroxide (or three to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide) and are most effective at higher concentrations. (Dr. Messina notes that in general, though, manufacturers adjust the concentration based on how the product will be used and how long it will be held against the teeth.) At 25 percent carbamide peroxide, this CVS brand whitening kit hits near the top of the allowable range. Just be sure you use it carefully. “The product with higher concentrations of peroxide [means] higher chances of causing tooth sensitivity if worn for an extended period of time, and may cause gum irritations as well,” Dr. Rozenberg advises. “Do not wear longer than written in the instructions.” There you have it — happy whitening!
You’ve just peeled open the packaging of your new teeth-whitening strips—finally, a cost-effective and proven way to lighten your pearly whites and improve that gorgeous smile.
But as you put on the strips, you wonder: should I have brushed my teeth before doing this? Or am I supposed to clean afterward?
You may encounter a lot of conflicting information online. To brush before, or to brush after?
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go through:
Let’s get into it!
Using a new product might be intimidating at first. You want to ensure that you’re using it correctly so you can get the most out of it, but when there’s a lot of information out there, it can be hard to determine what the best method is.
With teeth whitening strips, it all depends on personal preference. Rest assured, it doesn’t matter if you brush before or after using the strips, however, both methods have their benefits and drawbacks.
There are a few different factors that might influence whether you brush before or after using the whitening strips. For example, the specific instructions on the package, your teeth sensitivity, and the general order of your teeth care routine.
Let’s discuss both options!
The most obvious option might be to brush your teeth before using the whitening strips. This ensures you create a clean surface to apply the strips, allowing them to stick correctly.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website should i brush my teeth before using whitening strips.
Brushing your teeth first removes plaque and food debris from your teeth, allowing the strips to make direct contact. This buildup might otherwise diminish the whitening effect and could make the whitening process take a lot longer than expected.
However, the drawback of brushing before is that you might risk irritating your gums, which no one wants! It’s recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes after brushing to apply the strips and that you rinse your mouth thoroughly before doing so.
On the other hand, you might find that brushing your teeth after using the whitening strips is the better option for you. Brushing after is the better option for people with sensitive teeth, or who are worried about a potential increase in sensitivity.
One benefit of brushing afterward is that it removes any residual whitening gel that might be left on your teeth. This won’t reduce the whitening effects of the strips, and might even help prevent tooth sensitivity caused by the gel.
You might also find that brushing after whitening fits better into your routine, or that it feels better for you. However, it is recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes after using the strips before brushing your teeth to ensure maximum efficiency.
Another tip is to use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle technique to avoid irritating your gums or enamel. Whitening strips have the risk of increasing your teeth' sensitivity and wearing down your enamel. So if you brush after, you’re helping to prevent these things!
According to endodontist Dr. Anjum Chaudhary (BDS, MDS), you can comfortably brush your teeth after using whitening strips. Just be careful not to hurt your gums while doing it.
Experts say that choosing to brush before or after using whitening strips isn’t what matters - it’s how long you wait in between. You should leave at least 30 minutes in between brushing and using the strips to ensure you get the best of both worlds; clean teeth, and a shiny smile!
Those precious 30 minutes in between are what allow for the most effective routine. It doesn’t matter if you choose to brush before or after using the whitening strips, as long as you leave both to work for a good amount of time.
What’s on the tin is just as important as what the experts say. Remember to always read the label and use the whitening strips as directed. Each manufacturer will have their own set of instructions on how to get the most out of the strips.
For example, some manufacturers might suggest following up the whitening strips with a round of gentle brushing. Others might suggest waiting to ensure maximum efficiency. You can also try finding information on their website, as they might have more detailed instructions and information.
If the packaging is vague, or you’re unsure, it’s best to stick with your personal preference, whether that’s brushing before or after.
If you have sensitive teeth, you might find Boka’s whitening strips to be the perfect solution for you. These gentle yet effective whitening strips are designed especially for sensitive teeth without sacrificing the whitening effect.
Our whitening strips are powered by PAP and nano-hydroxyapatite and are peroxide and pain-free. This makes them an easy addition to your teeth care collection!
As our whitening strips are designed for sensitive teeth, we recommend brushing after using them. Just remember to wait 30 minutes after using them before you brush, to ensure you get the shiniest teeth possible.
At the end of the day, it’s important to find a routine that works best for you. Now that we’ve discussed the benefits and drawbacks of brushing before versus after whitening, let’s get some practical advice on choosing the right method for you.
As discussed earlier, there’s not much of a difference if you choose to brush your teeth before or after using whitening strips. It all comes up to personal preference, and finding a routine that suits your needs.
Everybody’s different, and we all have different levels of sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, you might prefer to brush after using the strips to keep potential flare-ups to a minimum. However, if you’re more concerned with creating a clean surface, brushing before the strips might work better for you.
Ultimately, we recommend creating a routine that makes you look forward to brushing your teeth. Having a bit of fun with it will have you looking forward to seeing the results!
If you’re still unsure, we’d suggest booking an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist. They know your teeth probably better than you do, and talking with an expert you trust will ensure you get the best advice and recommendations tailored to you.
It’s also important to have regular check-ups to keep your teeth happy and healthy. Keeping up a good routine is the easiest way to maintain your brilliant smile for longer!
You should also consider that whitening strips aren’t a permanent solution to whiter teeth. Yes, they work, but your dentist might also offer you other solutions as well. For example, a proper cleaning will last longer.
Conditions such as canker sores, cold sores, thrush, gum disease, cavities, and tooth sensitivity mean that whitening strip ingredients can be harmful. Your dentist can tell you if using whitening strips is safe. If so, they can advise you on the finest choices and walk you through their usage. They might also recommend toothbrushes and toothpastes that work well with whitening strips.
Another thing you need to consider is the specific instructions on your chosen whitening strip product. Each manufacturer will have different recommendations, therefore, it’s best you follow them to get the most out of the product.
For example, you might have to wait a certain amount of time before you can brush your teeth. Or they might have a specific recommendation for the order altogether. Following these steps means you’ll be able to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
But if you’re unsure, don’t forget you can always try both ways! This might be a good option if you’re stuck between both methods. Deciding what works best for you is no easy decision, and we want you to feel comfortable and happy when cleaning your teeth.
You might choose to switch it up based on how you’re feeling on the day, or based on what you think your teeth need more. At the end of the day, there’s no right answer, and changing your routine slightly might help you have some fun with it.
Here are some steps you can follow for brushing before using whitening strips:
Alternatively, here’s a simple routine for brushing following the use of whitening strips:
For more bleach whitening stripsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.