Teeth Whitening: Dos and Don’ts of Brightening Your Smile

Posted on June 26, 2025 in Dental Health

With many tips, products, and services promising a brighter smile today, the topic of teeth whitening can be a little confusing. Whitening strips? Special toothpastes? Countless products promise stunning results, but which one is right for you? 

Before jumping in on the latest trend, it’s important to understand the dos and don’ts of whitening to protect your oral health while enhancing your smile.

What causes teeth to change color

Before starting a costly new teeth whitening routine, consider simple changes you can make at home to enhance your smile. You might be surprised to learn that small lifestyle adjustments can make a difference in keeping your teeth bright.

Some common factors that play into teeth losing their shine include:

• Tobacco: Tobacco has been found to stain the hard material of teeth. Not only can tobacco ruin a bright smile, but it can also lead to oral cancer and gum disease. (Click here for help quitting today.)
• Dark foods and drinks: Coffee, wine, and even soy sauce can stain tooth enamel.
• Trauma: Sometimes, we experience injuries to our mouth that can cause discoloration of our teeth. While we should always take steps to protect against dental injuries, should one happen, contact a dentist for immediate assistance.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration.
• Aging: As we age, teeth may begin to lose their luster. This yellowing is caused by the protective enamel coating thinning and exposing more of the yellow dentin underneath.

The dos and don’ts of teeth whitening

Now that you know what can cause your teeth to lose their sparkle, here are some teeth whitening dos and don’ts to help you brighten your smile safely and effectively:

Dos of teeth whitening

• Talk to your dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatments. They need to record the state of your oral health before you set out to make cosmetic changes.
• Consult with your oral health provider about options like chairside bleaching, which can be done during an appointment or at home using custom bleaching trays.
• Research the best products for your goals. Some teeth whitening solutions won’t solve your concerns, and others may even harm your oral health. When in doubt, ask your dentist for advice.
• Know your benefits and coverage before scheduling professional whitening services. Many cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance and can’t be paid for with options like Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Maintain your regular oral health routine. Remember to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, and ensure you are flossing properly.
• Visit your dentist regularly so they can make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy.

Don’ts of teeth whitening

• Don’t start any teeth whitening treatments without consulting your dentist.
• Avoid teeth whitening solutions If you’re pregnant or nursing.
• Looking for a cheaper at-home alternative to bleach trays? Don’t just pick something off the shelf. Look for items approved by the American Dental Association here first, as not all products at the store are safe or effective.
• Don’t assume teeth whitening will work evenly on all your teeth. For example, whitening doesn’t work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings. Teeth whitening also may not work for teeth that are excessively discolored or have suffered trauma.
• Don’t forget that teeth whitening can lead to or even heighten tooth sensitivity. If this happens to you, make sure to discuss with your dentist ways to balance or remedy your sensitivity.
• Don’t try DIY teeth whitening! These social media trends can be dangerous to your oral health.

Teeth whitening can be effective when done correctly

We know there is a lot to consider when it comes to teeth whitening. The most important thing is to consult with your dental team before starting treatments to make sure they won’t harm your oral health.

The best way to keep your smile bright is with a good oral health care routine. Maintaining a healthy mouth requires consistent care with brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year.