Tooth whitening is among the easiest and fastest ways to achieve sparkling white teeth and flashing that dazzling smile with confidence. That said, some common teeth whitening mistakes can cause serious damage to your teeth and leave you with undesirable results.

Listed here are a few common teeth whitening mistakes you should avoid:

• Skipping brushing and flossing before whitening
  Plaque and lingering food particles on the surface of the teeth can hinder the whitening process. Brushing and flossing are essential steps before the whitening process to enable the whitening agents to seep into the enamel and affect the stains on the teeth. In fact, you can also opt for a professional dental cleanup.
• Not consulting a dentist
  People with oral health issues like cavities or gum disease should consult their dentist before whitening their teeth. This will help them avoid any discomfort that can occur during the whitening process. A dental professional will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo the whitening process, which is a necessary step in such cases.
• Using whitening toothpaste every day
  Whitening toothpaste contain abrasive compounds like silica or calcium carbonate, and using them every day is among the most common teeth whitening mistakes. Instead of helping, it can lead to issues like tooth sensitivity and discoloration of teeth.
• Not getting a customized dental tray
  Most teeth whitening kits come with a one size fits all whitening tray, but this can result in accidental swallowing of the whitening agent. Everyone’s mouth is different, so using a customized dental tray that fits your teeth can deliver the best results, even for at-home whitening sessions.
• Not following the directions given on the whitening products
  Another common teeth whitening mistake is leaving the whitening solution for longer than recommended. Carefully read and follow the directions, as leaving it longer can make your gums sore and your teeth sensitive.
• Eating and drinking right after whitening
  For the first few hours after the whitening process is complete, avoid consuming certain foods and drinks because the teeth become sensitive and more vulnerable to staining. Avoid drinking beverages like tea, coffee, and acidic drinks that can lead to stains, and stay away from dark foods like berries and sauces for at least a few hours after whitening.
• Trying to whiten veneers, fillings, and crowns
  Teeth whiteners do not work on veneers, fillings, and crowns, which means your natural teeth will be whitened, but the synthetic teeth will be the same. This can create an uneven smile and can also damage veneers and crowns.
• Buying cheap whitening kits
  Numerous cheap whitening kits are available online and in the market. They will help you save money but may not be safe and effective to use. They may contain harsh ingredients that can damage your enamel, so spend on a good-quality, reliable whitening kit instead.

Check with your dentist before whitening and avoid these common teeth whitening mistakes to achieve that picture-perfect smile you always wanted.