Whitening strips are probably one of the most omnipresent and convenient alternatives for those who want to whiten their teeth within the comfort of their own homes. Most of these strips contain active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that help break down stains and discoloration in order to whiten teeth over time.
However, an often-asked question remains: to brush or not to brush after whitening strips? This article goes step by step, explaining the best practices to achieve desired results while avoiding sensitivity.
So, let's get started.
How Do Whitening Strips Work?
These whitening strips usually contain a gel with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as active ingredients responsible for the whitening effect. Hydrogen peroxide works by degrading the enamel stains through the release of oxygen molecules on the tooth surface when the strip is put on.
Over time, this will gradually lighten the teeth and give them an eventually whiter and more uniform appearance. The efficacy of whitening strips depends on several factors, like the frequency of usage, the concentration of the active ingredient, and the degree of stains.
Should You Brush Your Teeth After Using Whitening Strips?
The short answer is: no, you should wait before brushing your teeth immediately after removing whitening strips. Here's why:
Sensitivity and Enamel Protection
Whitening strips temporarily alter the enamel surface when the active ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, are employed, making teeth somewhat more porous and sensitive for quite a period. Brushing immediately after using whitening strips can irritate your gums and enamel because then your teeth may be a little more sensitive to abrasion. The best practice is to wait about 30 minutes to an hour before brushing.
What to Do After Whitening Strips Application
1. Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth with water right after you take out the whitening strips. This will circulate all remains, the whitening gel, right right out of your mouth. Don't try to brush your teeth at this point because it could be too rough on your teeth at this point in time.
2. Wait for a While Before Brushing: Waiting would save you from sensitivity. Sensitive toothbrushing may be the result when putting too much stress on your teeth after it's already been exposed to acidic or hard acid. Avoiding abrasion in toothpaste is of utmost importance as well. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste to reduce the chance of your enamel being grinded away.
3. Fluoride Toothpaste: After you have waited the recommended time, brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste will further harden your enamel-protecting you against the whitening procedure.
Benefits of Waiting to Brush
Whitening strips will permit the whitening agents to penetrate your teeth better; waiting to brush your teeth not only helps in preventing sensitivity and enamel damage but overzealous brushing can dissipate the whiteners, affecting the whites made by the treatment, and it can also cause gum irritation or other discomforts.
Tips for Maximizing Whitening Results
While waiting before brushing is one of the manners of using whitening strips correctly, other variables will now enter into relevance for optimal whitening to occur:
● Brush Before Using Whitening Strips: You have to brush your teeth lightly before using whitening strips. This will remove plaque, debris, etc., and any surface stains on your teeth that would interfere with whitening agents from working properly. Do not however brush too hard as this can potentially erode your enamel.
● Consistency: Whitening strips should be used consistently for the best effect as directed, usually once daily for several days in a row or even weeks. For results to be visible, consistency is crucial.
● Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: After your whitening, avoid foods and drinks that will perhaps stain your teeth again such as coffee, tea, and red wine. In addition, smoking can quickly reverse the effects of whitening, so out with these habits if you want to keep and maintain that bright smile of yours.
● Hydrate and Avoid Dry Mouth: Staying hydrated can help maintain your mouth's health and reduce the risk of developing dry mouth, which can lead to increased plaque buildup and staining.
● Maintenance through Whitening Toothpaste: After the whitening treatment, it is good to continue using a whitening toothpaste for maintenance. This type of toothpaste delicately polishes the teeth while maintaining the brightness and preventing surface stains from forming.
Recommendation – Onuge Whitening Strips
In case you are seeking a whitening solution that is reliable and of high quality, consider Onuge's whitening strips. Such whitening strips, by the producer of the aqueous and residue-free formulae, such as for whitening agents containing hydrogen peroxide, PAP, and Dead Sea salt, give you an excellent reason to consider trying tooth whitening products for both your aesthetic needs and your oral hygiene.
Onuge's whitening strips come in various formulations to cater to different preferences, whether you have sensitive teeth or want an eco-friendly option with customizable flavors. They are designed to provide professional-grade results while minimizing the risk of irritation, making them a great at-home option for anyone looking to achieve a brighter smile.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening strips are one of the cost-effective ways through which you can enhance your smile. However, it must be applied correctly for maximum results. You should not brush after applying the whitening strips; immediate sensitivity arthroplasty might hinder the positive effects that would have come later on.
