Make your Holidays and Teeth Merry and Bright

Short on time? This enamel-safe routine pairs Crest White strips (for deeper stain lift) with Colgate whitening care (for daily polish and defense). Follow the 7-day plan below for visible results—without wrecking enamel. Please note that with any whitening process, there is a risk of creating short term sensitivity. Please plan accordingly for your time line to achieve results.

What dims your smile (and what works)
Coffee, tea, red wine, and deeply colored sauces deposit pigments that cling to enamel. In my clinical experience, it is common to see hot teas stain more than cold teas. It is also common to see that white wines and even grape juice can stain teeth too.

A brighter smile needs a two-part approach:

1. Lift deeper stains with peroxide-based options like Crest White strips or gels.

2. Polish and protect a few days a week with Colgate whitening toothpaste and mouthwash.

   Professional note: I only advise my patients to use whitening toothpaste and products only a couple of times a week to reduce the chance of creating sensitivity problems.

Enamel-Safe Whitening Plan
Days 1-7

Use Crest Whitening Pens (with light is even better) and or Colgate Whitening gel for the easiest and perfect application. Crest White strips can be used as directed (typically 30 minutes), but require a little more patience and time. Pro tip: Dry teeth with a tissue before applying gels or strips.

After removal: Gently brush with a soft brush and toothpaste based upon needs. Spit and avoid heavy rinsing or brushing for 10–15 minutes.

During the week: Limit coffee/tea contact time. It is encouraged to use a straw and rinse with water afterward. Pro tip: Make sure you use a straw as a funnel and not sip directly onto the front of teeth.

Sensitivity tip: If you feel “zingy” spots, use a fluoride or potassium-nitrate toothpaste, or take a 24–48-hour break. That still fits a 7–10 day window before an event. Pro tip: Leave the sensitivity toothpaste on teeth over night for quicker sensitivity reduction. It can also be left on in the morning if necessary. Re-apply at lunch if needed without rinsing.

Crest White strips—Pro tips for better results
• Choose the strength that matches your timeline and sensitivity.
• Start several days before photos or events so you can take rest days if needed.
• Keep gel off gums; wipe any excess. Don’t exceed labeled wear time.
• Don’t brush hard before strips; brush gently after.

Daily defenders (Colgate)
Colgate whitening toothpastes (peroxide or silica polish) remove surface stains and help prevent new discoloration. Pairing toothpaste + a whitening mouthwash supports fresh breath and keeps your “holiday smile” brighter longer.

Things to avoid
• Abrasive DIYs (lemon, baking soda scrubs) that erode enamel and make stains stick more.
• Stacking multiple strong whiteners at the same time.
• Brushing immediately before White strips (can increase sensitivity).

FAQs
How fast will I see results?
Most people notice a difference in 3–7 days with consistent use and good daily care.

Is whitening safe for enamel?
When used exactly as directed, peroxide-based strips are considered enamel-safe. If you have existing sensitivity, start slow and add rest days.

Who should ask a dentist first?
Anyone pregnant/breastfeeding, a lot of gum recession (roots of teeth will not whiten and risks becoming very sensitive), or with visible restorations on front teeth (veneers/bonding won’t whiten).

Ready to brighten? Shop the Brighten-Your-Smile Picks
Build your kit and follow the 7-day plan:

Shop Crest 3D Whitening Pen: https://amzn.to/44bXLjW

Shop Crest Leave on Teeth Emulsion Gel Kit: https://amzn.to/47KV4IA

Shop Colgate Optic White Gel: https://amzn.to/49jMPo1

Shop Crest Whitestrips: https://amzn.to/4oIIu2j

Shop Crest White Strips for Sensitive Teeth: https://amzn.to/4oLtykd

Shop Crest Whitestrips with LED light: https://amzn.to/47ZYxl8

Shop Sensodyne Toothpaste with Potassium Nitrate: https://amzn.to/4i50gdQ

Shop all of my gift ideas at https://amzn.to/436pyC4

Affiliate disclosure:
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, MouthMotivator may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.