To be very successful at teeth whitening you need to do more than just apply whitener and then wait for it to work. To get the best results, there are things that you should do and things that you shouldn’t. We will start with the things you should do. It is important to have good oral hygiene before and after whitening. If your teeth have buildup from infrequent brushing, the whitening treatment may not work as well. The layer of buildup on the teeth can absorb some of the whiteners and not allow it to whiten the teeth. Whiten your teeth professionally to ensure safe treatment. Professional treatments are far more effective than those you do at home. The professional whitening will ensure that all teeth are whitened in a way that matches your skin tone and it will have a lasting impact. Avoid dark foods and drinks before and after your whitening procedure. This is very important right after your procedure. Avoid foods that are acidic because they can strip your teeth of the whitening treatment. Talk with your dentist about what you need to be doing before your whitening procedure. They will inform you best about your specific needs.