How whitening strips work?
Whitening strips are an over-the-counter treatment to help people whiten their teeth. Using the strips is simple: the adhesive strip is applied to the teeth, the active ingredient of the strip (usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) acts to break down the stain or discoloration in the tooth enamel and draw out the underlying fluoride to create a brighter and whiter effect. Due to the active ingredient, it is imperative to make sure that the strips are used for the amount of time specified and that you follow other guidelines for use as provided by the manufacturer.
One of the key factors that needs to be taken into account when using whitening strips is to know exactly how long the active ingredient in the strips will be on the teeth during the treatment process, since it is during this time that the bleach will work to break down the discoloration on the enamel. Generally, the chemical compounds of the strips will begin to break down the stain within minutes and will continue to do so for several hours.
Can you drink coffee while using whitening strips?
Experts advise that you should not consume coffee, red or white wine, or any dark beverages while you are undergoing a teeth whitening regimen, especially not if you are using whitening strips. This is because dark beverages such as coffee will cause the active ingredients in the strips to become less effective, resulting in a diminished whitening effect. Caffeinated beverages, particularly those that are acidic, will also cause the hydrogen and carbamide peroxide treatments to break down faster, reducing the duration of the teeth whitening treatment.
For best results, it is recommended that you abstain from anything staining, including coffee, tea, colas, and red or white wines before and during the treatment. If by any chance you consume these beverages, it is important to rinse your mouth with water immediately following your consumption and prior to reapplying the strips. To ensure that you do not prematurely terminate your treatment, it is also recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes to reapply the strips after any consumption. Residues from the beverages can remain in the mouth and counteract the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.
Additionally, to maximize the whitening effects and to safeguard against uncomfortable sensitivity, experts highly suggest avoiding any kind of acidic or sugary snacks, again, especially when using whitening strips.
How to use whitening strips
In order to get the most out of your whitening treatment and to get the best results, it is important to use the whitening strips correctly. Experts recommend that the strips should be applied and left on the teeth for the full length of time recommended. This interval can range anywhere from 10 minutes up to 45 minutes, depending on the strength of the strips and the degree of discoloration.
Also, it is important to note that there are some side effects associated with using whitening strips. These side effects include tooth sensitivity, especially after the first few applications, and in some cases can lead to allergic reaction, gingivitis or enamel erosion. Therefore, it is important to speak to your dentist before undertaking a teeth whitening regimen.
Pros and cons of using whitening strips
Using whitening strips can be a great way to enhance your smile, though it is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages before beginning any kind of treatment regimen.
For example, one of the advantages of using whitening strips is that they are very cost-effective and easy to use, as they do not involve a professional. Additionally, they are generally accepted as a safe method of whitening teeth, as they only involve a very small amount of the active agents. The active ingredients work by dissolving the teeth stains, which is why the strips should be left on for the full duration.
However, as with any whitening regimen, whitening strips can have their own drawbacks. Firstly, the results of whitening strips are often not very permanent, and may need to be repeated frequently to maintain its effects. Moreover, strips have been known to cause tooth sensitivity and even damage the enamel if used too often. Lastly, it is essential to remember to not consume any of the food and beverages mentioned earlier while you are undergoing a whitening treatment with strips.
Alternatives to whitening strips
If you are not interested in using whitening strips to whiten your teeth, there are other options available. For example, professional teeth whitening conducted by a dental professional is a great option for those who are wanting to achieve more lasting and remarkable results. Consult with your dentist to find out what the best option for you would be.
Also, it is possible to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home. There are various at-home whitening kits that are easy to use and are designed to help enhance your smile without any teeth damage. For example, you can opt for an at home whitening kit that uses a blue light to activate a whitening gel, or you can choose whitening trays or whitening toothpastes that are offered on the market.
Some other methods include oil pulling, which is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil around the mouth for several minutes to remove bacteria and discoloration.
Pre- and post-treatment oresults to consider
Before undergoing any whitening treatment, it is important to take a few precautions. Firstly, you should make sure that you properly clean your teeth and remove any plaque beforehand, as this can hinder the whitening effects. Additionally, experts recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste prior to the treatment to reduce any side effects such as general tooth and gum sensitivity.
After the treatment, you should also be aware that the whitening effects can diminish over time. Thus, for longer-lasting effects, you should brush at least twice a day and visit your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings. It is also advisable to limit your consumption of dark beverages and any other food and drinks that could adversely affect the results of your treatment.
Benefits of maintaining white teeth
Having a bright and white smile is a great asset to have. Not only does it lead to increased confidence, but it may also make you look younger and healthier, as discolored and yellow teeth can give the impression of age. Moreover, teeth whitening may also help to boost self-esteem, as it increases the individual’s appearance.
In addition, maintaining white teeth has been associated with an enhanced social life. This is because having a white and healthy smile can make you feel more attractive and desirable to the opposite sex, which may in turn lead to increased social interaction and increased dating success.
Factors to consider when selecting whitening strips
When selecting whitening strips, there are several factors that you should take into consideration. Firstly, it is important to determine the level of whitening your teeth require, as whitening strips are offered in a variety of concentrations, ranging from basic whitening to intense whitening. Also, the strips may come in different sizes, and the usual range of whitening strip size options is small, medium and large.
Moreover, it is important to check the ingredients in the whitening strips before purchasing them. Some whitening strips may contain other agents such as polishing agents and enzymes, which help to accelerate the effects of the bleaching agents. Therefore, always read and understand the labels of the product before buying and using it.
Important safety advice
With any whitening procedure, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. For example, before using whitening strips, it is always recommended to consult a dental professional to ensure that whitening strips are an appropriate and suitable treatment. This is especially important if you have cavities or gum problems, as whitening strips may aggravate these conditions and can worsen sensitivity and discomfort.
It is also important to be aware that whitening strips may not work in all cases, as some teeth discoloration and stains may not be affected by the product. Therefore, if you have severe or extensive staining or discoloration, it is important to speak to your dentist to consider other treatments.
