White Spots on Teeth After Whitening Strips (Guide & Tips) (2024)

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

White Spots on Teeth After Whitening Strips (Guide & Tips) (1)

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.

White Spots on Teeth After Whitening Strips (Guide & Tips) (2)

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?
White Spots on Teeth After Whitening Strips (Guide & Tips) (2024)

FAQs

White Spots on Teeth After Whitening Strips (Guide & Tips)? ›

To reiterate, these white streaks after whitening are normal, will disappear as your teeth remineralize and won't harm your teeth or oral health. So don't worry – it's only temporary dehydration causing the white marks.

How to get rid of white spots on teeth after whitening strips? ›

Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide: According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide breaks up stains, which helps brighten the surrounding tooth color making white spots less noticeable.

How long does it take for white spots on teeth to go away? ›

White spots on your teeth will usually go away within a day if caused by dehydration or a couple of weeks if caused by poor oral hygiene. If the discolored spots last longer than 2 weeks, seek a dental professional's advice.

How can I reduce the appearance of white spots on my teeth? ›

White spots on the teeth can bother some people, but there are a number of treatment options to eliminate these spots.
  1. Microabrasion. This procedure removes a layer of enamel from the tooth's surface using mild abrasion. ...
  2. Bleaching. ...
  3. Veneers. ...
  4. Chin straps. ...
  5. Nasal decongestants.
Oct 18, 2017

Should I whiten my teeth if I have white spots? ›

White spots are very common and are not actually 'staining' so will not be removed by whitening procedures.

Why did whitening strips leave white spots on my teeth? ›

Some teeth have irregular fluoride or calcium levels. The areas that contain less fluoride or calcium lighten more quickly during home whitening, which then looks like stains on the first few days of treatment. However, this returns to normal, usually within 60 to 90 minutes after application.

Why did I get white spots on my teeth after whitening? ›

White stains on teeth come from hypo-calcification or the loss of calcium in tooth enamel. Common causes of hypo-calcification include exposure to too much fluoride, a high sugar or acid diet, heavy plaque, or the removal of orthodontic bands and brackets.

Are the white spots on my teeth permanent? ›

White spots on teeth can be unsightly, but they don't have to be permanent. By following these tips, you can help to prevent them from occurring in the first place. And if you do have white spots on your teeth, there are a number of effective treatments available.

Do white calcium spots on teeth go away? ›

Enamel microabrasion: White spots on teeth may be removed by microabrasion. This process will involve your dentist removing a thin layer of enamel from your tooth's surface, helping to improve the appearance of your teeth.

How do you get rid of decalcification spots on teeth? ›

Microabrasion – If the white spots are widespread, your dentist may buff the enamel down so it's a more even tone, then seal it with a mineral treatment. Veneers – If the damage is severe, your dentist may recommend veneers, which are thin shells of resin or porcelain that are placed over the front of the tooth.

Can toothpaste get rid of white spots on teeth? ›

The use of a remineralising toothpaste is a common and proven method to treat many types (not all, eg fluorosis) of white spot / white marks on teeth.

How long do white spots from whitening strips last? ›

Temporary Discoloration

White spots might appear after using whitening strips but should fade within a few hours. This is caused by the way whitening agents are applied with the strip.

What is the best toothpaste for white spots? ›

Marques suggests using, 'remineralising toothpastes such as the Regenerate brand, these can help rebuild surface enamel, but always ask your dentist for the best treatment for you. '

Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips? ›

As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.

Can whitening strips leave white spots? ›

White spots might appear after using whitening strips but should fade within a few hours. This is caused by the way whitening agents are applied with the strip. Crest, a major producer of whitening strips, claims this spotting is caused by lost water in your tooth's enamel.

Can white spots on teeth go away? ›

White spot lesions may be due to fluorosis (overexposure of fluoride to the teeth), enamel hypoplasia (thinner development of the enamel on teeth), demineralization of the enamel on the teeth, low calcium diet, and poor oral hygiene. The good news, though, it's treatable and can be reversed.

Can I wipe my teeth after whitening strips? ›

It's safe to brush and floss your teeth after using whitening strips. It won't reduce the whitening effects of the treatment. Manufacturers recommend doing so gently. This will help you avoid gum irritation and discomfort.

Is it OK to rinse mouth after whitening strips? ›

After removing the whitening strips, it's crucial to rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any residual gel. Take a moment to examine your teeth in the mirror, appreciating the initial results. It's common to notice an immediate improvement in the shade of your teeth, which can be quite satisfying.

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