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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.
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Advertisement ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX 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!
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Did this article help you?Should you use whitening strips before or after brushing teeth?Should I use teeth whitening strips before or after brushing? Always brush your teeth before you use whitening strips, otherwise plaque and bacteria will be trapped between the strip and your teeth. This makes it more likely that you will experience tooth decay or other dental problems.
Should you brush before whitening strips?Before you apply white strips, it is critical that you brush your teeth with a wet toothbrush (without fluoridated toothpaste, or without toothpaste at all). This will allow the pores in your teeth to open, thereby making them more receptive to the whitening agent in the whitening strips.
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