Introduction to Teeth Whitening
If you’ve been staring at your teeth and thinking they could stand to be a little brighter, don’t impulsively start a teeth-whitening project, dentists warn.
That’s because taking the time to plan ahead and choose the right moment for teeth whitening can make a big impact on the final results.
And there’s one moment in particular when at-home teeth whitening is likely to be the most successful.
Expert Tip of the Day: Whiten teeth after a dental cleaning
There is a best time to whiten your teeth, and it’s right after your routine dental cleaning, experts agree.
“A cleaning would be really beneficial (before teeth whitening) if you have build-up on your teeth," Dr. Matthew Messina, consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association, told TODAY.com recently.
"We’re trying to get down to the actual teeth underneath and make them pretty,” he said.
Dr. Julie Y. Kim agreed. In fact, if you have any dental issues, including plaque or gum irritation, a whitening procedure might further compromise your oral health, said Kim, who is an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Why it Matters
Waiting to whiten your teeth until after you get them cleaned has a few advantages, dentists tell TODAY.com.
First, a regular cleaning often lightens the shade of your teeth on its own by removing yellow-ish plaque and tartar, Messina explains. So, after your cleaning, you might decide you don’t need to do the teeth whitening after all.
Second, you’ll likely get better results from an at-home whitening product if you wait until after a cleaning because there won’t be as much plaque in the way, Messina says.
Finally, your cleaning is the perfect time to check in with your dentist about your whitening plans. They may have specific recommendations for products to use and give you a better idea about what results are possible in your case. That’s especially useful because not all discoloration is due to the type of staining that over-the-counter whitening products remove.
And, generally, teeth whitening is something that should only be done on healthy teeth with healthy gums, Messina said.
If you have a lot of plaque, then whitening "is not only irritating the tissues or gums or teeth, but it can actually cause more damage," Kim says.
"Always make sure that you go to a dentist, get a regular cleaning, get a consult after the cleaning, and then brush and rinse and then use the (whitening) product," she explains. "That can give you better results."
How to Get Started
If you’ve had a routine dental cleaning recently, now is the perfect time to look into products that can whiten your teeth at home.
All effective teeth-whitening products contain the same ingredient — hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — so choosing one really comes down to your budget and how long you want to spend on this project.
Over-the-counter whitening strips and trays can achieve similar results to those of in-office procedures, but take longer to work, as TODAY.com explained previously.
If a product has received a Seal of Acceptance from the ADA, that means the manufacturer has provided data to back up the product’s claims about whitening. So Messina recommends his patients look at products with that seal, such as whitening strips.
But there are a lot of options out there, Kim noted, so if you’re not sure where to start, check in with your dentist first.
And keep in mind that the most common side effect of any teeth-whitening process is increased sensitivity of the teeth. Those who are already prone to tooth sensitivity should proceed with caution when it comes to whitening, the experts say.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best time to whiten your teeth is after a dental cleaning. This allows for the removal of plaque and tartar, which can improve the effectiveness of the whitening process. It’s also essential to consult with your dentist before starting any teeth-whitening treatment to ensure you have healthy teeth and gums. By following these tips and choosing the right products, you can achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to whiten my teeth?
A: The best time to whiten your teeth is after a dental cleaning.
Q: Why is it important to wait until after a dental cleaning?
A: Waiting until after a dental cleaning allows for the removal of plaque and tartar, which can improve the effectiveness of the whitening process.
Q: What should I look for when choosing a teeth-whitening product?
A: Look for products that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and have received a Seal of Acceptance from the ADA.
Q: What are the common side effects of teeth whitening?
A: The most common side effect of teeth whitening is increased sensitivity of the teeth.
Q: Who should proceed with caution when it comes to teeth whitening?
A: Those who are already prone to tooth sensitivity should proceed with caution when it comes to teeth whitening.
