Teeth Whitening Do's and Don'ts - Mountain Aire Dentistry

05 Jun.,2025

 

Teeth Whitening Do's and Don'ts - Mountain Aire Dentistry

Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, 99.7 percent of adults polled believe a smile is an important social asset. When respondents were asked, “What would you like to improve most about your smile?” The most common response was whiter and brighter teeth.  There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are in-office treatments and the do-it-yourself approach with over-the-counter products. It is important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration and involve bleaching agents that, if not used correctly, can damage the enamel of your teeth.  Learn the do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening to ensure you have success with whitening your smile.

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Do Practice Good Oral Hygiene Before Whitening

If you are choosing to use over-the-counter whitening strips to whiten your teeth, keep in mind that these products are designed to be used in a healthy mouth. If you have buildup on your teeth, you are not going to achieve the results you are looking for.  Brushing and flossing are essential parts of preparing for teeth whitening, but so is visiting your dentist for a good cleaning. For best results, schedule your 6-month dental checkup and cleaning right before you plan on starting a whitening system. By doing this, you will be whitening the enamel on your teeth–not the buildup.

Don’t Consume Foods that Can Stain Your Teeth

For both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening, the first few days after treatment are the most critical. Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can, don’t smoke, brush/floss frequently and you should be looking great.

Keep in mind, the less you indulge in “staining” foods and drinks, the longer your results should last. You don’t need to give up staining foods completely, but you do need to avoid them when you are doing teeth whitening. Coffee, tea, wine, blueberries, dark-colored sodas and fruit juices are big-time stainers.  If you are not sure if something will stain your teeth, think of it this way, foods that can stain your white carpet, can stain your teeth.

Do Avoid Acidic Foods

Acidic foods break down the enamel on your teeth which makes them more porous and more inclined to absorb stains from the food and drinks you consume.  A common culprit of this type of tooth destruction is soda or carbonated drinks.  If you consume these drinks often, overtime you will notice your teeth dulling in color or even yellowing.  And don’t be fooled into thinking a diet soda, or a clear soda won’t do as much damage–sodas have almost the same acidic level regardless of their color.  Some other drinks to watch out for are grapefruit juice, tomato juice and lemonade because of their high acidic content.  If you want to succeed with your whitening, you want to watch what you are eating for success.

Do Check When Your  Teeth Whitening Products Expire

We all want a bargain, but watch out for flash sales on tooth whitening kits. Often, the reason why these kits are on sale is because they are close to their expiration date.  If you plan on using the product before it expires you are fine, but if you think it might be a while, don’t purchase the product.  Whitening gel’s main ingredient for whitening is hydrogen peroxide. Over time, hydrogen peroxide changes to water and oxygen. If you try and use a whitening kit after its expiration date, chances are you will only be getting gel and water as the oxygen will have leaked from the package. The oxygen is the key component for whitening your teeth.  For best results with whitening, throw away any product you find in your home that has passed its expiration date.

Don’t Store Whitening Strips in Hot Temperatures

If you are planning on hitting the grocery store and then leaving them in the car, don’t make this trip the one when you pick up your whitening products.  Heat can inactivate the peroxide in whitening strips,so leaving them in a hot car while you run errands is a bad idea. On the flip side, if you don’t plan to use your whitening products right away, storing them in the refrigerator can help to extend their shelf life.

Do Apply Touch-Ups In Between Whitening Treatments

Most over-the-counter whitening kits recommend an application every six months.  To keep your smile looking bright, and to avoid having to undergo the initial whitening process all over again, try doing one day’s whitening application once or twice a month.  Be careful not to apply the strips more often than that, though, since overuse can irritate gums.

Don’t Buy Generics

We all want to find ways to stretch our budget, but when it comes to whitening kits, this is not an area you want to choose the generic version over the name brand version. Generic whitening kits may contain the same active peroxide ingredient, but they are not tested to ensure effectiveness. Furthermore, with generic versions you can’t be certain how some of the differing inactive ingredients will interact with the peroxide. Dentist-dispensed and over-the-counter, home-use tooth whitening bleaches are eligible for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The products in this category that currently bear the ADA Seal contain 10 percent carbamide peroxide; however, participation in the program is not limited to products of this concentration or type of bleach and are recommended for your use. Look for this seal of acceptance on your tooth whitening products to ensure their effectiveness or talk with your dentist.  

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The Science Behind Teeth Whitening Gel: How It Works and Why It's ...

Summary

Thanks to the popularity of teeth whitening treatments, the market for whitening products has experienced a significant boom. Today, the demand for whitening strips, trays, and gel is nearly 10 million dollars, and the number is increasing significantly. 

While trays and gels are considered a safer approach, the usage of whitening gels often draw a lot of flak.

Most people opting for teeth whitening tend to ask themselves, “Does teeth whitening gel work?”

Therefore, in this blog, we take a closer look at the possible answer to this question via topics like: 

  • What Is Teeth Whitening Gel?
  • How do Whitening Gels Work – Science Behind the Product
  • Oral Hygiene and Whitening Gel
  • Tips to Use Teeth Whitening Gel at Home
  • Professional vs. Home Whitening Treatments – What’s Different?
  • Maintaining Your Bright Smile After Treatment

Continue reading as we learn more about whitening gel in the following sections. 

What Is Teeth Whitening Gel?

A teeth-whitening gel is an effective tool for improving the color of your smile. At Branson Family Dental, we recognize the value of a brilliant smile, and teeth whitening is the core of our purpose.

These gels, usually composed of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, work as teeth-whitening treatments by lightening and eliminating stains. They are specifically developed to prioritize the protection of teeth and gums while optimizing whitening power.

These gels work by dissolving and eliminating surface-level and deeper stains from teeth. The oxidation procedure is a secure and efficient technique for a whiter smile. When used as instructed, hydrogen peroxide-based teeth-whitening treatments are a tried-and-tested technique that guarantees safety and effectiveness.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website does teeth whitening gel expire.

How do Whitening Gels Work – Science Behind the Product

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. Interestingly, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the gel can influence the rate and severity of the reaction. Below are some typical concentrations:

  • Over-the-counter items: 3–20% hydrogen peroxide
  • Professional Products: 15–43% hydrogen peroxide

Remember, larger concentrations might provide more noticeable outcomes. However, it may also raise the risk of dental sensitivity and gum inflammation.

Note: Get immediate medical assistance if you consume teeth whitening gel by mistake.

Oral Hygiene and Whitening Gel

Expert dentists for Teeth Whitening in Branson, MO, suggest that oral hygiene practices significantly influence the efficacy of whitening gel. Brushing and flossing regularly might help your whitening treatment last longer.

Remember that whitening gel is not a substitute for proper dental hygiene. It is a cosmetic product intended to only improve the look of your teeth.

In addition to whitening gel, try using a mouthwash that enhances enamel health. This might help protect your teeth from any potential sensitivity induced by the whitening procedure.

Finally, excellent dental hygiene is vital while using whitening gel. It helps extend the results while keeping your smile bright and healthy.

Tips to Use Teeth Whitening Gel at Home

Achieving a dazzling smile using teeth-whitening gels at home is simple, but you must follow certain basic recommendations to achieve the most significant results:

  • Brush Your Teeth First: Always begin with a blank canvas. Brushing your teeth before applying the whitening gel ensures that the gel is uniformly distributed on your teeth. This procedure eliminates plaque or particles that may obstruct the gel’s whitening activity.
  • Apply Gel Carefully: Apply the gel as prescribed to avoid your gums. This helps to prevent inflammation. You can also add precise whitening kit applicators to make this procedure simple and accurate.
  • Stay Consistent With Use: Consistency is essential for achieving the best outcomes. Use the gel at the appropriate time, as specified in the product instructions. Stick to your oral routine, no matter what appliance or product you use for whitening. 

Following these easy procedures may safely and efficiently brighten your smile at home. Remember, patience and persistence are your partners on the path to a whiter smile. 

Maintaining Your Bright Smile After Treatment

Once you’ve obtained the proper amount of whiteness, it’s critical to preserve it. This requires a mix of proper dental hygiene and lifestyle choices.

Regular brushing and flossing can help keep teeth clean and stain-free. It is also critical to avoid foods and beverages that might discolor teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.

Here are some methods to help maintain your bright smile:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice each day
  • Floss daily
  • Avoid staining meals and beverages
  • Consider using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash

Remember that tooth whitening isn’t permanent. You may need to repeat the procedure or touch up every few months to keep your bright smile.

Do Whitening Gels Expire?

Yes, whitening gels can expire! Their shelf life varies according to the brand and storage circumstances.

Before using the product, verify the expiration date. An expired product may not give the intended results and worse, damage your teeth.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of whitening strips before and after. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Takeaway