Closing an Unattractive Gap between Your Two Front Teeth

So, whether you bought a teeth whitening kit from the store or you opted to have your dentist whiten your teeth, you are probably going to read or hear the same instructions. That set of instructions will include "Brush your teeth before whitening." You may be wondering, "If you have your teeth whitened, why on Earth would you brush before whitening?" Well, actually, once you know the reasons why, it makes complete sense. 

​Whitening Agents Cannot Whiten Teeth Covered in Food

​That sandwich you had for lunch is no doubt sticking around near your gums and between your teeth. If you or your dentist were to try to whiten your teeth while there are food particles stuck to them, the whitening agents cannot white the areas where the food is sitting. Brushing your teeth before whitening ensures that all of the surface area of the teeth to be whitened will be whitened, and not left behind because you had food stuck to those spots. Additionally, if you brush and​ floss, then the whitening agents can get between teeth, too, whitening what you do not see fully and creating a more realistic whitened appearance. 

Brushing Your Teeth Removes Surface Stains for a Deeper Whitening Experience

​Whitening your teeth means that you want the whitest teeth possible, right? If you brush before you whiten, you are removing surface stains on your teeth, which means that whitening gels and agents can penetrate deeper into the teeth to whiten better and more dramatically. The whitening agents will not sit on surface "dirt" and work on the surface stains that are in the way to getting deep down white. Brushing before whitening gives your teeth whitening agents an extra boost, a sort of head start to the whitening process, if you will. 

​If You Have Bleeding Gums, Brushing Opens Them to the Antiseptic Properties of Whitening Gels

​Most teeth whitening kits and gels (even in the dentist's office) contain hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic used to clean and treat wounds. Bleeding gums from gingivitis are essentially wounds; they are open spaces in the gums with bacteria growing and causing problems. When you brush, the gum pockets bleed. By brushing prior to teeth whitening, you are opening those sore areas to the antiseptic side benefits of whitening gels and strips. Hence, you are not only whitening your teeth at this point, but you are also treating the bleeding gums with better brushing and the hydrogen peroxide's antiseptic properties.

For more information about the teeth whitening procedure, reach out to your dentist.