How do you get teeth whitening strips to work?

Author: Dr. Tanya Harvey IV  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 2025

For best results with any product that promotes white teeth, be sure to follow a routine of good oral hygiene, including twice-daily toothbrushing and daily flossing. Make sure to read the instructions on your products for white teeth—some suggest that you don't brush your teeth immediately before applying the product.

Why didn't my teeth whitening strips work?

Teeth Are Not Clean

The chemicals break down the stain molecules that cause teeth to darken. Plaque buildup can block these whitening chemicals from reaching the stained teeth. Schedule a dental cleaning appointment first before using teeth whitening strips. This can prepare your teeth well for the whitening process.

How do I make sure my teeth whitening strips work?

6 Tips When Using Teeth Whitening Strips
  1. Consistency Matters. Teeth whitening strips should be applied to the teeth on a daily basis. ...
  2. Brush Your Teeth Prior to Application. ...
  3. Avoid Uneven Whitening. ...
  4. Use Teeth Whitening Strips in Moderation. ...
  5. Avoid Contact With the Gums. ...
  6. Do Not Consume Dark Food or Beverages After Whitening.

Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips or no?

Brushing too soon could potentially damage this delicate layer and lead to tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. To strike a balance between these perspectives, dentists often recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after using whitening strips.

Why are my teeth not whitening with whitening strips?

Too much plaque and tartar

Plaque is a sticky substance created by the bacteria in your mouth. Brushing and flossing removes plaque from your teeth. If you don't brush your teeth before applying the whitening strips, the sticky plaque may block the stain-fighting chemicals from reaching your teeth.

The Right and Wrong Way to use Teeth Whitening Strips - A Dentist Explains

Why are my teeth still yellow after whitening strips?

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

Why are my teeth not responding to whitening?

If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel.

What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes?

You might be tempted to leave whitening strips on your teeth for a little longer, but this will increase the risk and severity of side effects like sensitivity and gum irritation. In some cases, overuse of whitening strips has even led to chemical burns on the gums.

What is the best time of day to use whitening strips?

Should You Use Whitening Strips In The Morning Or Night? Whether you choose to use whitening strips in the morning or at night depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. There is no strict rule regarding the time of day you should use them.

Are you supposed to rinse your mouth after whitening strips?

Instead of immediately brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after removing the strips. This helps remove any residual gel left on your teeth while also allowing time for your saliva to neutralize and remineralize your tooth enamel.

What not to do when using whitening strips?

Do not touch your gums with the whitening strips. The whitening agent in whitening strips can be harmful to your gums. Particularly, this agent can damage the soft tissue in your gums, which can lead to a wide array of oral health issues down the road. Apply whitening strips evenly.

What is the best way to whiten your teeth?

The best and fastest way to whiten teeth is through professional teeth whitening treatments at your dentist's office. These treatments offer quick results, whitening teeth from the inside out in just 1-3 sessions of 30-60 minutes each.

How can I improve the effectiveness of whitening strips?

Preparation: Brush your teeth with a wet toothbrush (without toothpaste or with a non-fluoridated one) before applying the strips. This helps open the pores in your teeth, making them more receptive to the whitening agent​​. Application: Ensure your teeth are clean and dry.

Why wont my white strips stick to my teeth?

Avoid touching the Whitestrips excessively with your tongue; this may cause the strips to loosen. If you still are having trouble getting a strip to stick, try gently tucking it into the spaces between your teeth with your fingernail, then folding it behind the teeth.

Why don't my teeth stay white after whitening?

Factors Affecting the Longevity of Whitening

Several factors determine how long your teeth stay white, including the type of treatment, your lifestyle, and your oral care routine. Foods and drinks like coffee, wine, and berries can cause staining, while smoking can lead to yellowing of the teeth.

Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips?

Pause Before Brushing: It's typically advised to wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth following the use of strips. This timeframe allows the enamel to remineralize and restore its strength.

How long do you let whitening strips sit?

How To Apply At Home Teeth Whitening. The strips are applied to upper and lower teeth, once a day, for up to 30 minutes. Depending on the specific Crest 3D White Whitestrips product chosen, strips should be applied daily for anywhere from 10 to 20 consecutive days.

Will my teeth go back to yellow after whitening?

With time, these tannins cling to your teeth's enamel and create yellowish stains. Similar to this, frequent use of tobacco products or cigarette smoking might cause your teeth to remain yellow even after whitening procedures. A yellow coating on your tongue could also be noticed.

Can I do two crest white strips in one day?

Extensive clinical and consumer testing was done to establish the safety and efficacy of Crest 3D White Whitestrips. However, based on the results of that work we do not recommend using more than 2 upper strips and 2 lower strips in a day.

Can I drink water after whitening strips?

It is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes after using whitening strips before consuming any kind of beverage, including water. This is because drinking water after whitening can dilute the bleaching agent and reduce its effectiveness.

What teeth cannot be whitened?

Teeth that have yellowed with age

Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

How can I speed up my teeth whitening?

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week.

Why can't you brush your teeth before whitening?

Risk of Gum Irritation: If you brush too vigorously before applying the strips, you might irritate your gums. When the whitening gel comes into contact with irritated gums, it can cause discomfort or a burning sensation.

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