How do whitening strips work?

Teeth whitening strips contain peroxide or bleaching agents. They can therefore whiten your teeth in the same way that bleach can whiten your clothes or hair. Peroxides bleach the colour of your teeth to restore their natural white colour. 1

Most whitening patches are made of polyethylene, which is a thin, flexible plastic. The plastic is coated with peroxide, and certain types of strips contain more than others. You apply the strips to your teeth according to the packet instructions so that the peroxide will come into contact with your tooth enamel. This allows the peroxide to remove stains and discolouration from the surface of your teeth. Some strips need to be removed after a period of time, while others do not. 2

Benefits of Tooth Whitening Strips

The main benefit of using teeth whitening strips is that they are cheaper than other teeth whitening treatments. Most home whitening tools are more affordable than going to the dentist to whiten your teeth. Strips tend to be cheap because they are made from materials that do not cost much; plastic and peroxide are both relatively inexpensive materials to manufacture. 3

In addition to their low cost, whitening strips are easy to use. Most kits come with 2 sets of test strips. One set is for your upper teeth and the other for your lower teeth. The kit also comes with instructions on how long the strips should stay on your teeth. You usually have to wear them twice a day for an average of 2 weeks.

Finally, the whitening patches provide quick results. Your teeth should start to whiten within a few days of applying the patches and the effect will last for at least 4 months.

Should I use the whitening strips before or after brushing my teeth?

It is important to brush your teeth before applying the whitening paste, otherwise plaque and bacteria can get trapped between the paste and your teeth. This makes it more likely that you will experience tooth decay or other dental problems. Also, if there is plaque or bacteria on your teeth, it is more difficult for the whitening paste to work. 4

However, you should not brush your teeth immediately before applying whitening patches as they can sometimes irritate your gums. Instead, wait at least half an hour after brushing before applying whitening patches. 5

If you find spots or excess gel on your teeth after removing the whitening paste, you can brush your teeth immediately after removing the paste. This will not harm your teeth. Of course, you should continue to brush your teeth twice a day while using the whitening paste regularly so that your teeth remain healthy and do not become discoloured again.

Are the whitening strips safe to use?

Most whitening strips are safe to use; however, if you use strips containing chlorine dioxide, they may damage the enamel on your teeth. Chlorine dioxide is the same acid that is used to disinfect swimming pools. It whitens teeth by attacking the surface of the enamel. Essentially, if you use this type of whitening paste, you will wear down the enamel on your teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay. 6

Even if your whitening paste does not contain chlorine dioxide, it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging. Don't be impatient and use more whitening patches or use them for longer than recommended. Doing so may be harmful to tooth enamel. Products that dissolve tooth enamel can also harm gum tissue, so if your gums become irritated after a few days of using the product, you may need to stop using it and see your dentist.

Should I buy tooth whitening patches?

If your teeth are noticeably discoloured, for example from drinking coffee, tea or red wine, or simply because you are getting older, then you can use teeth whitening strips to improve your smile.

Whereas a professional teeth whitening treatment may be more effective overall, there are several reasons why you may want to switch to teeth whitening strips. They are more convenient for beginners. You can apply the test strips at your convenience without the need for an appointment. Teeth whitening strips are also cheaper than many professional teeth whitening treatments. If your teeth are only slightly discoloured, it may not be worth paying for a full professional whitening treatment.

How to maintain white teeth

Whether you have already whitened your teeth or are lucky enough to have naturally bright white teeth, there are steps you can take to avoid tooth discolouration in the future7.

Take care of your teeth: brush twice a day and floss once a day. As well as contributing to your overall oral health, this helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth discolouration.

Avoid tobacco: As well as increasing the risk of cancer and gum disease, smoking can cause significant discolouration of your teeth. Avoiding or quitting smoking can make a big difference to the colour of your teeth.

Rinse your mouth after drinking staining liquids: Dark liquids such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate or red wine can cause tooth discolouration. Try gently rinsing your mouth with water in between drinking these drinks.

Clean your teeth regularly: You should have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. Your dentist or dental hygienist will scrape off tartar and polish your teeth, which will help prevent discolouration.