Whitening strips have become one of the most popular teeth whitening options in recent years thanks to their convenience and effectiveness. But many people wonder about the best timing when it comes to brushing in relation to whitening strip use. Is it better to brush before applying strips or wait until after? Let’s take a look at what the experts recommend.
Why the Timing Matters
The reason the brushing sequence is important has to do with the whitening gel contained in whitening strips. This gel needs direct contact with your teeth to work its brightening magic. Brushing too soon before or after strip application could disrupt this contact in one of two ways:
- Brushing Before – Toothpaste residue left on your teeth from brushing could create a layer that blocks the gel from adhering properly.
- Brushing After – The abrasive action of brushing immediately after could prematurely remove much of the active gel before it has time to whiten your teeth.
So in both cases, brushing at the wrong time interferes with the gel doing its job. To get the best results, it’s crucial to time your brushing correctly in relation to strip use.
The Recommended Approach
Dental professionals agree that for optimal whitening when using strips, you should brush your teeth before applying the strips but wait afterwards.
Specifically, their advice is:
- Brush teeth thoroughly in the morning or evening, about 30 minutes before applying whitening strips. This removes surface stains and plaque for the gel to work on.
- After removing the strips, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. This allows the active gel to fully release onto the teeth.
- You can then brush as normal, which also helps the gel penetrate deeper for enhanced whitening over multiple uses.
By following these guidelines, you give the whitening gel the best chance to work on a clean surface and remain in contact with your teeth for the recommended time. This maximizes the brightening results you’ll see from your whitening strip regimen.
Sticking to the proper brushing sequence of before but waiting after is key to getting your best smile when using whitening strips. Just be sure not to brush directly before or after for maximum whitening power.
