Write an article based on this "Get ADA-approved whitening strips. Brush and floss your teeth if the instructions tell you to. Press the strips onto your teeth. Keep the strips attached for 10-45 minutes. Peel the strips off when the regimen is finished. Rinse your mouth to remove any leftover gel. Repeat the treatment as often as the product instructs you to."
These kits contain 2 sets of strips that go on your upper and lower teeth. Go to your local pharmacy and check the tooth care section for whitening strips. Look for the American Dental Association seal of approval to demonstrate that this product is safe. Read and follow all the instructions on any product you use. Currently, Crest whitening strips are the only brand that has ADA approval. Don't buy any products that aren't ADA-approved. Some whitening strips contain harsh chemicals that could damage your tooth enamel and irritate your gums. For a list of ADA-approved bleaching products, visit https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/category-display?category=Bleaching+Products. This removes any buildup on your teeth that could block the whitening gel or stop the strips from sticking properly. Brush, floss, and rinse your teeth normally before attaching the strips. Not all whitening strips instruct you to brush your teeth first. Always check the instructions before you use them. Open your mouth and curl your lips back so you can see all your teeth. Peel the backing paper off one strip and press the sticky side down onto the front of your bottom teeth. Run your finger along the strip to make sure it sticks completely. If the strip sticks out above your teeth, fold that part over the top. Then do the same for your top teeth. Most kits don't have different strips for your top and bottom teeth, but double check anyway to make sure. Wash your hands before reaching into your mouth. The exact amount of time depends on how strong the whitening gel is, so leave them on for as long as the product instructs you to. While you wait, try lying back with your mouth slightly open so pull saliva away from your teeth. Try to reduce the amount of times you swallow while the strips are attached. You might swallow some of the whitening chemicals, which could irritate your stomach. Don't eat or drink while the strips are attached. Leave them in place and don't touch or adjust them. After the correct amount of time has passed, reach into your mouth to the end of the strip and peel it off gently. Do the same for the other strip. Throw both of them away and don't reuse them. Leaving the strips on longer than instructed doesn't increase the whitening affect. It only makes the chemicals irritate your teeth and gums. Make sure your hands are clean before reaching into your mouth. Wash them again if you've touched anything. Use water or a 50/50 water and mouthwash mixture. Swish the mixture around, focusing on the front of your teeth, to get any remaining gel off. If you feel like more gel is stuck on your teeth, brush it off with your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Removing the leftover gel is important because you could end up with white specks around your teeth if you leave the gel on in some spots. Different products have different instructions, ranging from twice a day for a week to once a day for 2 weeks. Double check the packaging and follow the treatment that you're instructed to. If at any point your teeth feel overly sensitive or irritated, stop using the whitening strips. Contact your dentist and ask what you should do.