Teeth Whitening Tips From Dr. Jamie Sands

From in-office treatments to at-home kits, there are more whitening options than ever. Here’s how to choose the right one — and avoid common mistakes.

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t want a beautiful white smile. Thanks to the growing teeth whitening market, there are now a number of options available. Before you decide to whiten your teeth, here are some tips from our Studio City practice.

See Your Dentist First

Even if you plan to whiten at home, we recommend starting with a professional cleaning and exam. We can detect any new cavities — it’s important to treat those first to keep the tooth safe. We’ll also check that your gums are healthy, since inflamed gums and whitening don’t mix well. And we can recommend the right products and give you a realistic sense of how much whiter your teeth can become.

Choose a Mid-Range Bleaching Concentration

If you decide to pursue at-home whitening, look for products with a mid-range bleaching agent. Especially in the beginning, avoid both the lowest and highest concentrations. If the results aren’t what you’re looking for, you can adjust from there.

Follow the Directions

This sounds obvious, but it matters. Leaving whitening strips on too long can irritate your gums. After using any whitening product, avoid acidic beverages like soda for a few hours to protect your enamel.

Watch for Sensitivity

Mild, temporary tooth sensitivity is common with whitening products. If inflammation or sensitivity becomes bothersome, stop the treatment and give us a call.

Don’t Overdo It

Once you’ve achieved the result you’re looking for, a once-a-month touch-up is typically all you need. More isn’t better when it comes to whitening.

Questions about whitening? We’re happy to help you find the right approach for your smile.