What is the gel side of Crest White Strips?

Author: Libby Collier  |  Last update: Thursday, November 6, 2025

Note: It's the gel (coated, sticky) side of the strip that's placed against your teeth. This is the side of the strip that was face down on the plastic carrier.

What is the residue left after whitening strips?

How do I remove gel left on my teeth after using strips? Since the left over gel isn't harmful, you can do any of the following: Rinse your mouth with water. Wipe the gel off your teeth.

What is the adhesive side of whitening strips?

The sticky gel side that goes on your teeth is the same side that was stuck to the plastic sleeve and contains the whitening agents.

Which crest whitening strip goes where?

There are two strips – one designed for the top teeth and one designed for the bottom teeth. Use the longer strip for your top teeth and the shorter strip for your bottom teeth.

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.

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

Can you swallow residue from whitening strips?

What happens if I swallow the strip or some of the gel from the strip? No adverse effects will result from ingesting the peroxide gel. It will simply pass through your system without causing any damage. However, swallowing large amounts of peroxide can cause nausea and stomach irritation.

Why do my teeth look weird 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.

What is the film on my teeth after whitening?

White Stains After Whitening Treatments. Noticing white spots on the surface of your teeth after a whitening treatment is caused by hypo-calcification. Teeth whitening does not cause white spots on your teeth; however, tooth whitening treatments can make already present spots more visible.

What is the gel in teeth whitening?

Whitening gels are an essential component of oral aesthetics! They are designed to break down tooth surface stains and penetrate the enamel to remove discoloration. The active components, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, successfully remove these stains, resulting in a brighter grin.

Why not brush teeth before Whitestrips?

Wait before applying Whitestrips: It's essential to wait 30 minutes after brushing before applying Whitestrips. Brushing can temporarily weaken your enamel, making it more sensitive. Waiting allows your teeth to recover and minimizes the risk of sensitivity.

What is better than whitening strips?

At-home dental bleaching trays contain higher concentrations of the bleaching solution and will brighten your teeth better than strips will.

Are you supposed to rinse your mouth after using Crest whitening strips?

After removing the whitening strips, it's crucial to rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any residual gel. Take a moment to examine your teeth in the mirror, appreciating the initial results. It's common to notice an immediate improvement in the shade of your teeth, which can be quite satisfying.

Does saliva affect teeth whitening strips?

You're experiencing a natural reaction between your saliva and the whitening agent on our Whitestrips. Saliva increases whenever you place an object of any kind in your mouth. As saliva increases, it also reacts with the whitening agent and together they make foam.

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.

How do you know if teeth whitening strips are working?

However, after a few days, many people who use Crest 3D White Whitestrips can already see a brighter difference in their smile. Friends or family may also begin to comment on the change! You can also see the result by looking at your back teeth.

How long does it take for teeth pores to close after whitening strips?

Also, avoid acidic foods such as fermented items, vinegar, pickles, and citrus fruits. Although the pores should return to normal size after 48 hours, you can be cautious for a full week to make the most out of your teeth whitening treatment.

How to stop saliva while whitening teeth?

If you experience a buildup of saliva while using, it's fine to briefly remove the device, expectorate (spit) and then replace it back into your mouth.

Can I drink water while wearing crest Whitestrips?

Strips stay put until you take them off, allowing you to talk and even drink water while whitening your teeth.

Why can't you eat after whitening strips?

The Burning Question: Can You Eat After Whitening Strips? After using whitening strips, your teeth are more susceptible to staining and sensitivity. Therefore, what you eat and drink immediately following their use can significantly impact your results.

Why not brush teeth before white strips?

Do NOT brush immediately BEFORE applying strips. To avoid gum irritation, allow for some time to pass after you have brushed your teeth to apply strips.

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.

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