How to Apply Whitening Strips

This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

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This article has been viewed 536,443 times.

As we age, our teeth may not look as white and vibrant as they once did. Teeth can yellow for a number of reasons, ranging from a lack of dental hygiene to drinking certain beverages that can stain the teeth, such as wine or tea. Smoking can stain teeth as well. Although they may not be as effective as a professional treatment, board-certified dentist Tu Anh Vu believes "that whitening strips can help undo some of this yellowing." Before you use whitening strips, it is a good idea to learn more about how to properly use them and get the most from them.

Whitening Strips Application

• Misuse can cause damage to your teeth, gums, and health. [1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
• Instructions can vary between brands, always fully read the instructions before use.

• Brush your teeth at least a half-hour before you apply the strips to let saliva clean away any excess fluoride and get the enamel ready for whitening.

• Apply the side with gel to your teeth. This gel is the whitening agent and must contact the entire surface of your teeth—but not the gums—to work properly.
• The smooth side of the strip will have no whitening gel.

• Dry the surface of your teeth with a napkin or towel before applying the strips. This will help increase the whitening effect. You can also use a cheek retractor to spread your lips and control the flow of saliva during the whitening treatment. Less moisture in your mouth will give you a better result.
• Use a toothbrush to smooth out the strip if needed.
• Don’t let the strips reach up and cover your gums. The whitening gel can cause irritation or even slight burns that will bleach your gums.

• In general, the strips take about 30 minutes to work.
• In order to keep your teeth dry during the whitening procedure, lie on your back, keeping your mouth a little bit open. This will reduce the quantity of saliva, which may interfere in the whitening process. Try breathing through your mouth for a while as well to help dry out your mouth.

• Don't leave them on longer than specified as this can cause irritation and sensitivity in the teeth and gums and won’t increase whitening results.
• Clean your mouth after using the strips. Rinse with water or brush your teeth to ensure that all the whitening gel is out of your mouth. Try not to swallow too much of the gel as it can be toxic.

• Use twice daily for 30 minutes at a time.
• Sustained results can be expected at around four months, but they also work well after a professional teeth whitening in a dental office.

Cautionary Tips

• Don't worry if you accidentally swallow a little bit of the gel. Small amounts will likely not produce any symptoms.

• Take a break from whitening strips if you notice your teeth or gums becoming sensitive. [7] X Research source Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.

Ask your dentist before using any whitening product. Not all tooth whitening strips use the same chemicals and processes to achieve results. Some may actually exacerbate pre existing dental issues or cause new ones to arise. Ask your dentist if whitening strips and other whitening products are a good fit for you.

Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Expert Warning: Do not use whitening strips if you have braces, dentures, or restorative work such as fillings, veneers, or crowns.

Regular Dental Care

• Brush twice daily, for around two minutes each time. [9] X Research source
• Brushing too hard can remove enamel or damage the gums. Avoid using a toothbrush that is too hard (always use soft) and don’t use a new toothbrush immediately after the treatment or after drinking a soda, as the enamel is weakened and very sensitive to abrasion.
• You can use whitening toothpaste in addition to your whitening strips, but make sure to also use toothpaste with over 1100 ppm of fluoride, which may help with any sensitivity. Use strips and whitening toothpaste for two weeks to start, alternating the whitening toothpaste with the fluoride toothpaste (best used before bed). [10] X Research source

• Swish your mouthwash for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out.
• If the mouthwash is too strong, dilute it with water using a 50:50 ratio.
• Consider using whitening mouthwashes in addition to your whitening strips.

• Start with a long piece of floss, about arm's length.
• Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, spanning the gap between your hands.
• Work the floss down in between teeth on both sides of each gum papilla (the gum triangle which is located between teeth).
• Pull the floss to one side of the tooth, forming a “c” shape.
• Move the floss up and down the length of the tooth to clean it.

• Coffee, tea and wine can cause your teeth to become stained.
• Sugary foods or highly acidic drinks, like orange juice or soda, can wear the enamel away on your teeth. This can cause cavities or other dental issues. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

• Your dentist may be able to provide whitening services for you and help you to track their progress.

Expert Q&A

Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

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Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Strips are recommended to be used after the age of 20 years old when the enamel is strong enough to support a whitening substance. Your diet needs also to contain as few sugary foods or fizzy drinks as possible and coffee or smoking should be drastically lowered if you want a good result.

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Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

The best way to use them is either during the day or before bedtime. If you use them before breakfast your teeth may get stained as the enamel has micro porosities after using whitening strips and also sensitivity may occur.

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Tips

Don't leave the strips on longer than recommended in your instructions. Usually, 30 minutes is enough time.

Discontinue use of whitening strips if you notice any sensitivity in your teeth or gums or if you notice discoloration.

If you use the whitening strips more often than recommended (often 14 days) you can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

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1. ↑https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
2. ↑https://www.humana.com/learning-center/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-living/whitening-strips
3. ↑https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments_and_procedures/hic_What_Teeth_Whitening_Options_Are_Available
4. ↑https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments_and_procedures/hic_What_Teeth_Whitening_Options_Are_Available
5. ↑https://www.humana.com/learning-center/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-living/whitening-strips
6. ↑https://www.humana.com/learning-center/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-living/whitening-strips
7. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.
8. ↑https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193
9. ↑https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth

1. ↑https://www.cochrane.org/CD007868/ORAL_fluoride-toothpastes-different-strengths-preventing-tooth-decay
2. ↑https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
3. ↑https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
4. ↑https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4062
5. ↑https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193
6. ↑https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-health

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. This article has been viewed 536,443 times.

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

To use teeth whitening strips, first brush your teeth so they’re clean when you apply the strips. Wait 30 minutes after brushing so your gums aren’t too sensitive. Then, remove the whitening strips from their packaging—there should be one strip for your top teeth and one for your bottom teeth. Peel the strips off of the plastic and line them up with your teeth so the gel side of each strip is facing your teeth. Mold the strips around your teeth with your fingers. Make sure you press them down so they’re completely covering each tooth. Once they’re secure, leave them on for however long is recommended in the instructions. You’ll usually leave them on for around 30 minutes. After the time is up, remove the strips and rinse your mouth. Repeat the process once a day or according to the instructions that came with your whitening strips. It may take several uses before you start to notice results. If you experience sensitivity while using whitening strips, try taking a day or more off from using them. If sensitivity continues, talk to your dentist. For more advice from our Dental reviewer, including how to keep your teeth white after a whitening treatment, read on!