White spots on teeth after whitening are hard to ignore. After waiting impatiently to have a pearly white smile, it's a bummer to discover these spots. But what are they, and what can you do about them?
White spots after an at-home teeth whitening treatment are common. No need to stress, though. We will help you navigate the reasons for their appearance and give you nifty solutions to eliminate them.
What this article covers:
- What Causes Teeth Staining?
- What Causes White Spots on Teeth After Whitening?
- How Do I Properly Apply Whitening Strips?
- How Long Do White Spots on Teeth Last After Whitening?
- How to Remove White Spots on Teeth After Whitening
What Causes Teeth Staining?
We determined through our tests that teeth staining occurs for several reasons - some avoidable, some not so much. The avoidable causes of tooth staining are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Dark-colored food and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Consuming high levels of fluoride
Unavoidable (and sometimes unforgiving) tooth discoloration causes are:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Liver disease or eating disorders
What Causes White Spots on Teeth After Whitening?
Teeth staining after whitening treatments occurs for various reasons. But teeth whitening treatments don't cause it.
The white stains after the whitening treatment were already there; they were just hiding under the discolored enamel. So, when you whiten your teeth, the discolored enamel is removed, revealing the white spots buried underneath.
White stains on teeth come from hypocalcification, which is calcium loss in the tooth enamel. This is because of a lack of enamel formation during tooth development. Additionally, the following can contribute to it:
- Fluoride from water or toothpaste
- Tooth trauma
- Plaque buildup
- A high-sugar or acidic diet
In some cases, dehydrated enamel may cause white streaks when bleaching gel permeates the enamel to reach the dentin.
How Do I Properly Apply Whitening Strips?
Teeth whitening strips don't cause white spots on your teeth, but applying them correctly is key to avoiding any side effects. Let's answer some common questions regarding teeth-whitening strips.
What happens if you swallow teeth whitening strips? Our research indicates that swallowing teeth whitening strips isn’t a big deal; they normally pass through your digestive system without major incident. But make sure you always use strips correctly. They contain peroxide; if you swallow a lot, you might use the bathroom more than you’d care to admit.
Do whitening strips work on yellow teeth? Yes, whitening strips work on yellow teeth, lightening them by up to seven shades. We recommend using strips that are enamel-safe and gentle on sensitivity to prevent gum irritation.
Do you dry your teeth before using whitening strips? Yes, you should dry your teeth before using whitening strips. It helps them stick better to your teeth and increases the whitening effect.
Do whitening strips work on bonded teeth? Unfortunately, whitening strips don’t work on bonded teeth. Using this treatment with bonded teeth results in uneven shades and reduces your smile's aesthetics.
How long do teeth whitening strips take to work? You should start seeing results after three uses of the whitening strips. The maximum results can be achieved after a week or two of continuous use.
Should I whiten my teeth before getting a crown? Yes, you should whiten your teeth before getting a crown. It's important to get the shade of your teeth just right to match the color of your new crown.
How Long Do White Spots on Teeth Last After Whitening?
White spots caused by dehydration are temporary and tend to go away after a day or two. If your spots are not going away, you don’t need to worry. There are treatment options available to get rid of them.
How to Remove White Spots on Teeth After Whitening
Already giving up hopes of having a pearly white smile? We have good news: there are several remedies for eliminating white spots caused by whitening strips. Let's look at some of the most effective ways to do this.
OTC Teeth Whitening Products
Quality OTC teeth whitening products are less of a hassle and just as effective as professional whitening treatments. Here are some simple at-home remedies for white spots:
Teeth Whitening Strips
Quality whitening strips leave a uniform shade of white on the teeth without bleaching effects or discoloration. Each box contains patented P3 technology that prevents uneven whitening. After trying out this product, we found that it’s made with enamel-safe ingredients that dissolve quickly and completely without leaving any residue.
Teeth Whitening Powder
Teeth-whitening powder removes plaque buildup and stubborn stains from teeth without causing any damage. It is gentle and adds instant whitening effects to regular toothpaste. You can use this powder up to four times a week.
Teeth Whitening Toothbrush
This whitening toothbrush has a signature blue LED that accelerates whitening and sonic technology for better cleaning. With its four unique brushing modes, you’re guaranteed a perfect cleaning system that always hits the spot.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is performed by a dental hygienist and takes about 30-60 minutes. It involves five simple steps: a dental exam, removing plaque and tartar, polishing, flossing, and rinsing. After this procedure, there’s a noticeable difference in the color of your teeth. The white spots caused by the whitening strips will also disappear.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple process involving a tooth-colored resin that covers discolored or stained teeth. The dentist applies a special adhesive gel to your teeth and covers them with a thin layer of composite material. The material then hardens under a special light and gets polished for a natural, glossy finish. This doesn’t damage the enamel and can last several years with proper care.
Conclusion
White spots on teeth after whitening strips can give you sleepless nights, but with the right preventive measures and remedies, they’re easily avoidable.
Drawing from our experience, the best way to achieve a bright, white smile is to use quality whitening products specifically designed for your teeth.
Check outSNOW's unique selection of whitening products to get the most out of your dental care routine. With these products, you'll have a perfect smile in no time.
Did you find the blog beneficial? If so, consider exploring our other guides.
- Do You Brush Your Teeth After Whitening Strips?
- Can You Eat After Teeth Whitening Strips?
- How Long Do Teeth Whitening Strips Last?
- Do You Dry Your Teeth Before Whitening Strips
- Are Teeth Whitening Strips Permanent?
- Getting Rid of White Spots on Teeth After Whitening
- How to Remove White Spots on Teeth at Home
- White Hard Stuff on Teeth
- White Spots on Teeth When Sick
- How to Fix White Specks on Teeth
- How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
- How to Whiten Between Teeth
- What Is Teeth Whitening?
- How to Keep Teeth White
- How White Are My Teeth?
