Teeth-whitening strips are quickly becoming one of the most widely used home dental procedures due to their cost-effective alternative to costly professional whitening procedures. Thin, flexible strips containing peroxide-based gel ensure noticeable whitening within a matter of weeks when used regularly. For anyone considering an OKC teeth whitening treatment, whitening strips serve as a convenient and accessible option.
But many people pause and wonder, should I brush my teeth after using whitening strips? This is a more complex question than it appears, and the answer can significantly impact both the success of whitening and the overall health of your teeth. Remember to speak to the professionals at Reflections Dental Care for personalized advice!
The Common Problem
After removing those whitening strips, the initial priority on everyone’s mind would be to rinse off any residual gel or unfamiliar taste lingering in the mouth. It makes sense – one wants the mouth to be clean in order to keep the teeth and gums strong and healthy-looking.
But this seemingly harmless routine actually works against the whitening process and even damages your enamel. Knowing the nature of whitening strips makes it clear that timing is crucial when it comes to brushing afterward. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, do I brush my teeth after whitening strips?. You’re not alone.
Why Poor Brushing Habits is Damaging
The strips contain active chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that move into the enamel on the teeth and degrade the stains. That makes the enamel softer and more sensitive than normal for a short period.
Weakened Enamel
By brushing directly after the whitening strips detach, you’re essentially brushing temporarily weakened enamel. A synergistic effect when incorporating the mechanical action during brushing with the inherent chemical exposure during use of the whitening gel could lead to more enamel breakdown. Many dental patients debate whether they should brush teeth before or after whitening strips – you’re now starting to see why it’s such an important decision.
This wear may even result in making the teeth sensitive to cold and heat. In the worst scenario, it may produce minute marks on the enamel covering that predispose the teeth to discoloring in the future. If the question ‘brush teeth before or after whitening strips’ comes to mind, understanding your enamel’s vulnerability is vital.
Lower Efficiency
Brushing too soon may also jeopardize the whitening process. Whitening strips contain active components that require time to finish their job even after the strips have been removed. Brushing too early may eliminate beneficial residue gel when it might be able to bring the most effective outcomes.
The Recommended Waiting Period
Dental professionals advise patients to wait 30 minutes to an hour after they remove the whitening strips before brushing their teeth. This will allow the enamel to re-harden and avoid the risk of sensitivity or damage. You might also be wondering, how long after brushing teeth can I use white strips? The same waiting period is often advised in reverse to best protect your enamel both before and after application.
While you wait, your saliva will automatically neutralize any excess peroxide and restore the normal pH balance in your mouth. This is an important step to keep your enamel safe as well as to achieve maximum whitening.
What to Do Instead
If you do have an unpleasant sensation from residue gel or taste when you take off whitening strips, simply swish your mouth gently with warm water. Avoid using a mouthwash immediately, however – most mouthwashes include alcohol or chemicals that can further increase sensitivity.
Chewing sugar-free gum might even activate the salivary glands to secrete saliva that will be a better acid neutralizer and move the mouth into balance faster.
Protecting Your Investment in a Beautiful Smile
Proper post-whitening care requires a sensible brushing schedule. Brushing with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste when you brush will stiffen enamel and desensitize.
You should consider the usage of sensitive teeth toothpaste throughout whitening treatment. Toothpastes have chemicals that inhibit the transmission of pain signals by switching off pain fibers and guard exposed tooth surfaces.
Remember that whitening teeth requires the virtue of patience. Allowing enough time to lapse between treatment and brushing will enable you to achieve the whitest, healthiest-looking smile possible while preserving the dental health which you will enjoy for many years to come. Contact Reflections Dental Care for any other questions you may have about teeth whitening!