Crest White Strips are a popular teeth whitening product used by many to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. They work by applying a thin film of hydrogen peroxide directly to the teeth to break down stains. While effective at whitening, some wonder if it is bad to brush your teeth immediately after using Crest White Strips.
How Crest White Strips Work
Crest White Strips contain a low concentration hydrogen peroxide gel that works to oxidize stains on the enamel surface of teeth. When applied to the teeth, the hydrogen peroxide slightly penetrates the pores of the enamel and works to break apart stain molecules. This chemical reaction lightens the overall color of the teeth over time with consistent use.
Each Crest White Strip has an applicator side that sticks to the teeth to hold the strip in place. The strips are thin and flexible so they can mold to the unique shape of each person’s teeth. After 30 minutes or 1 hour, depending on the product, the strips are removed and the hydrogen peroxide is left to continue working.
Is It Bad to Brush Right After Using Crest White Strips?
The main concern with brushing too soon after using Crest White Strips is that you may brush away some of the whitening gel that is continuing to work on surface stains. The hydrogen peroxide needs sufficient time to fully penetrate and oxidize stains for maximum whitening potential.
However, it is not necessarily “bad” to brush your teeth after removing the strips. The caution is more about brushing too vigorously or too soon. Here are some tips on brushing after Crest White Strips:
- Wait at least 30 minutes after removing strips before brushing. This gives time for the gel to continue working.
- Rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water after removing strips.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush very gently where you applied the strips.
- Avoid brushing back and forth vigorously, which can brush away the peroxide gel.
- Focus brushing on other areas of your mouth, like your tongue, cheeks and palate.
Following these precautions allows you to brush your teeth for oral hygiene without brushing away the powerful whitening gel. Be patient and gentle on the areas you applied the strips to.
Pros of Brushing After Crest White Strips
While you don’t want to brush away the whitening gel too soon, there are benefits to brushing your teeth after using Crest White Strips when done properly:
- Prevents tooth sensitivity – Whitening products like peroxide can sometimes cause temporary tooth sensitivity. Brushing helps remove any residual gel that may otherwise prolong sensitivity.
- Reduces gum irritation – Some people experience mild gum irritation from whitening strips. Gently brushing helps remove leftover gel from the gums.
- Cleans away strip adhesive – Brushing also helps remove any adhesive residue left from the strip applicators.
- Promotes oral hygiene – Brushing and flossing is always important for cleaning plaque, bacteria and debris from the teeth and gums.
As long as you are very gentle where the strips were applied, brushing offers protective oral health benefits after using Crest White Strips without compromising the whitening effects.
When to Brush After Crest White Strips
Knowing when to brush after Crest White Strips is key to maximizing whitening while also keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Here are some evidence-based recommendations on when to brush after using strips:
| Crest White Strip Product | When to Brush |
|---|---|
| 1 Hour Express | Brush gently 30 minutes after removing strips |
| 30 Minute Express | Brush gently 10-15 minutes after removing strips |
| 3D White Professional Effects | Brush gently 30 minutes after removing strips |
| 3D White Whitestrips Luxe | Brush gently 30 minutes after removing strips |
| 3D White Whitestrips Vivid | Brush gently 30 minutes after removing strips |
| 3D White 2 Hour Express | Brush gently 1 hour after removing strips |
Use these evidence-based waiting times as a guide for when to gently brush after using different Crest White Strip products. This allows sufficient time for the whitening gel to work before removing any residue by brushing.
Proper Brushing Technique After Crest Strips
How you brush your teeth after using Crest White Strips is just as important as when you brush. Follow these steps for the most effective yet gentle brushing:
- Wait the recommended time before brushing after removing strips.
- Rinse mouth thoroughly with water to hydrate and cleanse.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply very little pressure.
- Gently brush in circular motions where you applied the strips.
- Avoid vigorous back and forth scrubbing motions.
- Focus most brushing pressure on areas away from where strips were applied.
- Brush tongue, roof of mouth, gums and inner cheeks thoroughly.
- Rinse mouth again with water when done brushing.
The keys are using a soft brush, brushing gently, and not over-scrubbing where you want the whitening gel to continue working. Proper technique ensures you get the stain removal benefits of brushing without compromising the whitening effects.
Other Oral Hygiene Tips After Whitening
In addition to proper brushing methods, here are some other oral care tips after using Crest White Strips for optimal whitening:
- Use fluoride toothpaste – Fluoride helps strengthen enamel that may have been temporarily softened from the whitening gel.
- Avoid staining foods/drinks – Hold off on coffee, red wine, curry and other staining foods for at least 24 hours.
- Keep hydrated – Drink plenty of water to help hydrate and mineralize the teeth.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking can cause teeth to re-stain faster after whitening.
- Use touch-up pens – Use Crest touch-up pens as needed on any spots that need more whitening.
Following good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing habits will help you maintain your bright, white smile after whitening with Crest White Strips.
Common Questions
Is it okay to floss after using Crest White Strips?
Yes, flossing is recommended after using Crest White Strips. Flossing helps remove any gel residue and food debris from between teeth. Avoid vigorous flossing and focus on gentleness between teeth you applied strips to.
Can I rinse my mouth out with mouthwash after removing strips?
Yes, rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash can help cleanse the teeth and gums after using whitening strips. Just be sure to rinse very gently without too much swishing.
Should I avoid drinking coffee or wine after Crest strips?
It’s best to avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine for at least 24 hours after whitening. This gives time for the enamel pores to close and protect from re-staining.
Conclusion
While it’s important not to vigorously brush away the whitening gel too soon after removing Crest White Strips, brushing your teeth gently at the right time offers protective benefits. Follow the product directions for timing and use a soft brush with gentle motions focused away from strip application sites. Combine proper brushing with other oral care habits to maximize a beautiful white smile.