Dental whitestrips
Whitening strips use peroxide gel to lighten stains on natural enamel, but not fillings, crowns, or veneers.
The short answer
Whitening strips are thin plastic trays coated with a peroxide gel that lightens some stains on natural tooth enamel.
Why can whitening strips cause sensitivity or irritation?
Sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when peroxide reaches exposed dentine or rests against the gingiva, so fit and wear instructions matter.
How should you use whitening strips safely at home?
Use only as directed, keep the gel off the gums, and stop if marked pain, ulceration, or persistent sensitivity develops.
When should you have a dental check before whitening?
A dental examination is appropriate before whitening when there is decay, gum disease, enamel loss, pregnancy, or extensive tooth-coloured restoration.
What should you ask about strips and existing restorations?
Ask whether the darkening is an external stain or an intrinsic colour change, whether your restorations will match, and which concentration and wear time suit your teeth.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.