Professional teeth whitening is the way to go if you want to have a set of white, beautiful teeth. While you are considering the procedure or preparing for your appointment, you may be wondering if you need to get your teeth cleaned before whitening. Cleaning your teeth ahead of a whitening treatment helps to augment the results of the procedure and maximize the benefits.
Why dental cleaning is important
The following are reasons why dental professionals recommend dental cleaning before professional teeth whitening:
Remove food particles from the mouth
Professional cleaning before whitening the teeth helps to remove food debris lodged around the teeth and crevices of the oral cavity, which may block the whitening agent from reaching everywhere. Cleaning will make it easier to whiten every surface of the teeth.
Remove plaque buildup
Patients can remove some food particles and debris by brushing their teeth before their next teeth cleaning appointment. However, accumulated plaque and tartar do not come off easily. Tooth cleaning before whitening helps to remove tartar from the teeth to make the whitening more effective.
Plaque and tartar are identifiable on the teeth as white or yellow patches on and around the teeth. Plaque sticks to the enamel, and over time, if it is not cleaned off, it will discolor the teeth and cause bad breath. During a dental cleaning, the dentist will carefully scrape the plaque and tartar off. For those who like home remedies, fluoride toothpaste and baking soda can stop the buildup of plaque over the teeth. Still, the dentist will perform a cleaning during the teeth whitening appointment or routine checkups.
Remove certain tooth stains
Surface stains from eating colored foods must be cleaned off before teeth whitening. Spot cleaning of the stained area will ensure the effects of professional teeth whitening last longer. Dental professionals generally advise patients to visit their dentist before a whitening appointment for a checkup and stain removal.
Detect a tooth cavity or decay
During the cleaning appointment, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth for signs of common dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay or infection. They will check the teeth surfaces with specialized tools to ensure there is no existing condition that may nullify the effects of the entire whitening treatment. If the patient has tooth cavities or gum disease, they have to be treated first before the whitening process starts.
Also, existing dental restorations such as fillings, veneers and crowns will be checked to ensure they will not be affected by the process and ensure uniformity.
In summary
Undergoing teeth cleaning from the dentist enhances the results of professional teeth whitening. Plaque, tartar and other food debris may prevent uniform whitening of the teeth and cause uneven coloration. Also, teeth whitening can help reduce gum inflammation. If you undergo teeth whitening when the gums are inflamed, it may be harder to correct yellowing near the gum tissues. To get your teeth cleaned ahead of your whitening appointment, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
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FAQs
Surface stains from eating colored foods must be cleaned off before teeth whitening. Spot cleaning of the stained area will ensure the effects of professional teeth whitening last longer.
Do you need to get teeth cleaned before teeth whitening? ›
With that in mind, we recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned before undergoing teeth whitening services to help avoid discomfort or uneven whitening. At Marks Dentistry, our experienced dentists and friendly staff are happy to assist you in booking a teeth cleaning and whitening appointment.
What not to do before getting teeth whitened at dentist? ›
Don't Consume Foods that Can Stain Your Teeth
Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can, don't smoke, brush/floss frequently and you should be looking great. Keep in mind, the less you indulge in “staining” foods and drinks, the longer your results should last.
What to do before getting your teeth professionally whitened? ›
Before Teeth Whitening
- Eat: Sounds simple enough, right? ...
- Brush your teeth: You probably do this out of habit every time you visit a dentist. ...
- Floss: All food particles need to be removed. ...
- Time: Set aside enough time for your teeth whitening appointment.
The answer is no! When you have your teeth professionally cleaned, your dentist or hygienist will remove both plaque and tartar from your teeth—both of which have a yellow tint. The paste that is then used to polish your teeth will remove other surface stains that have collected.
Do dentists clean your teeth before whitening? ›
Before you get in-office whitening, you need to go for teeth cleaning. Plague and tartar can cause gum disease, tooth discoloration, and bad breath. A dentist will examine the tartar and plaque before the whitening procedure.
Is it better to whiten teeth before or after cleaning? ›
Professional cleaning before whitening the teeth helps to remove food debris lodged around the teeth and crevices of the oral cavity, which may block the whitening agent from reaching everywhere. Cleaning will make it easier to whiten every surface of the teeth.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain
Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.
How long after teeth cleaning can I whiten teeth? ›
Sometimes, you can whiten your teeth on the same day as your dental cleaning. But if your gums are sensitive after a cleaning, your dentist will recommend that you wait a few days or more for your gums to heal.
What makes you ineligible for teeth whitening? ›
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
Do teeth continue to whiten after professional whitening? ›
Some people respond very well and teeth can get up to 3-4 shades lighter after just 5-7days of bleaching or up to 5 shades whiter with one ZOOM in office treatment. Others may not notice as much change. Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.
Do you tip for teeth whitening? ›
First and most importantly, tipping is never expected and always appreciated. Secondly, your technician is not a dentist.
What is the fastest teeth whitening method? ›
For most people, Zoom! laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available.
Do your teeth look whiter after a cleaning? ›
The short answer is: no. It's important to clarify that these deep cleanings alone do not directly whiten your teeth. Professional cleanings focus on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains, which can definitely improve the appearance of your smile and give your teeth a cleaner and brighter appearance.
How long does professional teeth whitening last? ›
If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office.
Can I get my teeth cleaned and whitened on the same day? ›
Sometimes, you can whiten your teeth on the same day as your dental cleaning. But if your gums are sensitive after a cleaning, your dentist will recommend that you wait a few days or more for your gums to heal.
How long after teeth cleaning can I whiten my teeth? ›
You may want to wait a few days after a cleaning if your mouth is sensitive before using Crest 3D White Whitestrips, otherwise, you may have more discomfort.
How long between teeth cleaning and whitening? ›
Before Teeth Whitening
Dental Cleaning: To ensure the best results, make sure that you've had a dental cleaning within 6 months of your treatment. Sores/Cuts: If you have any sores or cuts in your mouth, make sure to talk to your dentist about healing them prior to your treatment to avoid any discomfort.
How do you prepare your teeth for whitening at home? ›
1. Prep the teeth beforehand. Every time before starting a whitening session, patients need to thoroughly brush and floss the teeth beforehand. If food or grime is on the outside of the teeth, the bleaching agent may not be able to reach that area, causing spots or uneven shading.
