Read and follow all the instructions on any product you use. Currently, Crest whitening strips are the only brand that has ADA approval. Don’t buy any products that aren’t ADA-approved. Some whitening strips contain harsh chemicals that could damage your tooth enamel and irritate your gums. For a list of ADA-approved bleaching products, visit https://www. mouthhealthy. org/en/ada-seal-products/category-display?category=Bleaching+Products.

Not all whitening strips instruct you to brush your teeth first. Always check the instructions before you use them.

Most kits don’t have different strips for your top and bottom teeth, but double check anyway to make sure. Wash your hands thoroughly before reaching into your mouth.

Try to reduce the amount of times you swallow while the strips are attached. You might swallow some of the whitening chemicals, which could irritate your stomach. Don’t eat or drink while the strips are attached. Leave them in place and don’t touch or adjust them.

Leaving the strips on longer than instructed doesn’t increase the whitening affect. It only makes the chemicals irritate your teeth and gums. Make sure your hands are clean before reaching into your mouth. Wash them again if you’ve touched anything.

If you feel like more gel is stuck on your teeth, brush it off with your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Removing the leftover gel is important because you could end up with white specks around your teeth if you leave the gel on in some spots.

If at any point your teeth feel overly sensitive or irritated, stop using the whitening strips. Contact your dentist and ask what you should do.

Whitening toothpastes don’t produce immediate results. It’ll take a few weeks of brushing to scrub away tooth stains. [9] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Brushing harder won’t make your teeth whiter. In fact, this could damage your teeth because you’ll scrub away the enamel. [10] X Expert Source Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 9 April 2020.

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash after using baking soda. Leaving it on your teeth could cause irritation or erode the enamel. You can also add baking soda to your regular toothpaste for a similar effect. Squeeze the normal amount on to your toothbrush and sprinkle some baking soda onto it before brushing.

Don’t swallow this mixture. It could irritate your stomach. Most pharmacies and drug stores carry peroxide. Make sure to get a low concentration to avoid irritating your mouth. You can also mix baking soda with peroxide instead of water to make a whitening toothpaste. Keep in mind that this mixture won’t taste very good, so dilute it with water if you find the flavor overwhelming.

The best times to brush are in the morning after breakfast and before you go to bed. If you prefer to brush 3 times, do so after lunch. Don’t brush more than 3 times per day. This can scrub off enamel and make your teeth weaker. Floss at least once a day. A good time is at night, after brushing and before going to bed.

Remember to look for the ADA seal on any mouthwash products you use. If the mouthwash is too strong or minty and burns your gums, dilute it with an equal amount of water.

You can also consult your dentist about a professional teeth-whitening session or products to use at home.

Smoking also stains your teeth. Quit smoking or don’t start in the first place. [20] X Expert Source Joseph Whitehouse, MA, DDSBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 9 April 2020. If you’re drinking a cold, dark liquid, try using a straw to keep it away from your teeth.

A common suggestion is using lemon juice on your teeth. This is dangerous because lemons are very acidic and they could break down your tooth enamel. Other remedies, like turmeric powder, have not been evaluated for effectiveness.

If you have any small cracks in your teeth, your dentist may advise against using whitening products. The chemicals could irritate the tooth pulp if it’s exposed. [24] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source

The tissue should return to normal after a few days.

Stop using the product if you experience severe pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The dentist may advise you to stop using whitening products or suggest a different one. Follow their instructions.