You’ve just peeled open the packaging of your new teeth-whitening strips—finally, a cost-effective and proven way to lighten your pearly whites and improve that gorgeous smile.
But as you put on the strips, you wonder: should I have brushed my teeth before doing this? Or am I supposed to clean afterward?
You may encounter a lot of conflicting information online. To brush before, or to brush after?
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go through:
- The benefits of brushing before vs after using whitening strips
- What the experts say on the matter
- How you can create a teeth care routine that works best for you
Let’s get into it!
Brushing Before vs. After Weighing the Options
Using a new product might be intimidating at first. You want to ensure that you’re using it correctly so you can get the most out of it, but when there’s a lot of information out there, it can be hard to determine what the best method is.
With teeth whitening strips, it all depends on personal preference. Rest assured, it doesn’t matter if you brush before or after using the strips, however, both methods have their benefits and drawbacks.
There are a few different factors that might influence whether you brush before or after using the whitening strips. For example, the specific instructions on the package, your teeth sensitivity, and the general order of your teeth care routine.
Let’s discuss both options!
Brushing Before
The most obvious option might be to brush your teeth before using the whitening strips. This ensures you create a clean surface to apply the strips, allowing them to stick correctly.
Brushing your teeth first removes plaque and food debris from your teeth, allowing the strips to make direct contact. This buildup might otherwise diminish the whitening effect and could make the whitening process take a lot longer than expected.
However, the drawback of brushing before is that you might risk irritating your gums, which no one wants! It’s recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes after brushing to apply the strips and that you rinse your mouth thoroughly before doing so.
Brushing After
On the other hand, you might find that brushing your teeth after using the whitening strips is the better option for you. Brushing after is the better option for people with sensitive teeth, or who are worried about a potential increase in sensitivity.
One benefit of brushing afterward is that it removes any residual whitening gel that might be left on your teeth. This won’t reduce the whitening effects of the strips, and might even help prevent tooth sensitivity caused by the gel.
You might also find that brushing after whitening fits better into your routine, or that it feels better for you. However, it is recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes after using the strips before brushing your teeth to ensure maximum efficiency.
Another tip is to use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle technique to avoid irritating your gums or enamel. Whitening strips have the risk of increasing your teeth' sensitivity and wearing down your enamel. So if you brush after, you’re helping to prevent these things!
According to endodontist Dr. Anjum Chaudhary (BDS, MDS), you can comfortably brush your teeth after using whitening strips. Just be careful not to hurt your gums while doing it.
Expert Opinion and Manufacturer Recommendations
What Do the Experts Say?
Experts say that choosing to brush before or after using whitening strips isn’t what matters - it’s how long you wait in between. You should leave at least 30 minutes in between brushing and using the strips to ensure you get the best of both worlds; clean teeth, and a shiny smile!
Those precious 30 minutes in between are what allow for the most effective routine. It doesn’t matter if you choose to brush before or after using the whitening strips, as long as you leave both to work for a good amount of time.
Consider Manufacturer Recommendations
What’s on the tin is just as important as what the experts say. Remember to always read the label and use the whitening strips as directed. Each manufacturer will have their own set of instructions on how to get the most out of the strips.
For example, some manufacturers might suggest following up the whitening strips with a round of gentle brushing. Others might suggest waiting to ensure maximum efficiency. You can also try finding information on their website, as they might have more detailed instructions and information.
If the packaging is vague, or you’re unsure, it’s best to stick with your personal preference, whether that’s brushing before or after.
Boka’s Sensitive Smile Whitening Strips
If you have sensitive teeth, you might find Boka’s whitening strips to be the perfect solution for you. These gentle yet effective whitening strips are designed especially for sensitive teeth without sacrificing the whitening effect.
Our whitening strips are powered by PAP and nano-hydroxyapatite and are peroxide and pain-free. This makes them an easy addition to your teeth care collection!
As our whitening strips are designed for sensitive teeth, we recommend brushing after using them. Just remember to wait 30 minutes after using them before you brush, to ensure you get the shiniest teeth possible.
Finding the Right Approach for You
At the end of the day, it’s important to find a routine that works best for you. Now that we’ve discussed the benefits and drawbacks of brushing before versus after whitening, let’s get some practical advice on choosing the right method for you.
Remember There’s No Right Answer
As discussed earlier, there’s not much of a difference if you choose to brush your teeth before or after using whitening strips. It all comes up to personal preference, and finding a routine that suits your needs.
Everybody’s different, and we all have different levels of sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, you might prefer to brush after using the strips to keep potential flare-ups to a minimum. However, if you’re more concerned with creating a clean surface, brushing before the strips might work better for you.
Ultimately, we recommend creating a routine that makes you look forward to brushing your teeth. Having a bit of fun with it will have you looking forward to seeing the results!
Talk to an Expert
If you’re still unsure, we’d suggest booking an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist. They know your teeth probably better than you do, and talking with an expert you trust will ensure you get the best advice and recommendations tailored to you.
It’s also important to have regular check-ups to keep your teeth happy and healthy. Keeping up a good routine is the easiest way to maintain your brilliant smile for longer!
You should also consider that whitening strips aren’t a permanent solution to whiter teeth. Yes, they work, but your dentist might also offer you other solutions as well. For example, a proper cleaning will last longer.
Conditions such as canker sores, cold sores, thrush, gum disease, cavities, and tooth sensitivity mean that whitening strip ingredients can be harmful. Your dentist can tell you if using whitening strips is safe. If so, they can advise you on the finest choices and walk you through their usage. They might also recommend toothbrushes and toothpastes that work well with whitening strips.
Follow the Instructions on the Product
Another thing you need to consider is the specific instructions on your chosen whitening strip product. Each manufacturer will have different recommendations, therefore, it’s best you follow them to get the most out of the product.
For example, you might have to wait a certain amount of time before you can brush your teeth. Or they might have a specific recommendation for the order altogether. Following these steps means you’ll be able to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Trial and Error
But if you’re unsure, don’t forget you can always try both ways! This might be a good option if you’re stuck between both methods. Deciding what works best for you is no easy decision, and we want you to feel comfortable and happy when cleaning your teeth.
You might choose to switch it up based on how you’re feeling on the day, or based on what you think your teeth need more. At the end of the day, there’s no right answer, and changing your routine slightly might help you have some fun with it.
Brushing Before Using Whitening Strips
Here are some steps you can follow for brushing before using whitening strips:
- Floss your teeth before you brush to help reduce plaque buildup. You can use either an electric or manual flosser to achieve this.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Ensure you cover all sides of your teeth, and work up a nice, even clean.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any lingering toothpaste product.
- Now wait 30 minutes before you apply your strips. This allows your toothpaste to do its job before you let the whitening strips in on the action.
- Finally, use the whitening strips as directed.
Brushing After Using Whitening Strips
Alternatively, here’s a simple routine for brushing following the use of whitening strips:
- Use your chosen whitening strips as directed. Then remove and rinse.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth. Put on a TV show, get comfy!
- Now you can floss your teeth as normal. Use an electric or manual flossing method as preferred.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Remember to take this step as gently as possible, especially if you have sensitive teeth. You might also find that a soft-bristled toothbrush is the better option here.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure you remove all toothpaste residue.
- Finally, look in the mirror and smile!