<p>So I figured that since i’m still in college, I should have a little better looking teeth than I do (it’s not that bad, but I’ve always been envious of the few kids my age with pearly whites). So, I bought some Crest Premium WhiteStripes and have used them twice now. Both times, I used them at night (just once a day) and the next morning I woke up with a terrible pain in my teeth. After using them, I washed out my mouth to get the residue off and left them on for the required 30min, no more, no less. So, what’s going on?</p>
<p>After I resolve this issue, I get to deal with confronting my roommate about “borrowing” some of the strips. I noticed the wrappers in the trash and knew they wern’t mine, and I’m pretty ticked because she basically stole them from me, and since they’re so expensive, I really do mind. UVA prides itself on student honor, but obviously she missed that memo. This is in addition to her making everyone agree to share food (in apt of 3-double rooms) when in fact she hasn’t bought any and is just mooching off. Grr. I’ve volunteered to cook dinner for the apt this Sunday and I think I’ll bring up the change.</p>
<p>Sweetie, there’s a lot more going on here than the White Strips, but you know that. </p>
<p>You (fake innocent tone): I’m glad I decided not to use any more of these because I dropped the box in the toilet. </p>
<p>Subject of food-sharing (within Minnie the Moocher’s earshot): Not sure anyone will want to share my food anyway. My boyfriend and I like to eat out of the containers. Ha-CHOO, woops, sneezed in the Cheese Balls.</p>
<p>(off subject: hats off to you on NoVA to UVA. I have always said NoVA is an awesome choice for local learning. Care to talk more about that – another thread, perhaps?)</p>
<p>The strips can make your gums and teeth sensitive - in future, you might try the regular Whitestrips, which have a lower percentage of the bleaching agent than the Premium ones do. You use them for two weeks instead of one to get the same results.</p>
<p>Anu: Haha actually I really did want an answer to the teeth thing. I just went off on a rant because my roommate b****ed at me right in front of the other apt mates because I told her she shouldnt leave her hairdryer plugged in 24/7 in the bathroom. She came from a family of being an older child and is a third year (im a second) from a CC and just doesn’t understand the whole “you need to just go with the flow”.<br>
Also, I came from the locality of Northern VA, not the CC. </p>
<p>Book: seems like I wasted $40 =P Is there anything I can do to prevent the sensitivity, even with the Premiums?</p>
<p>Try using one per day, instead of the recommended two. That’s what I’ve done on my lower teeth, where my gums seem to be much more sensitive to the bleach than my upper ones.</p>
<p>Don’t brush your teeth before you use them as you may be (as so many of us do) abrading your gums which will make them more sensitive. If you find you have sensitivity to other things (hot/cold etc.) you may want to mention it to your dentist. </p>
<p>Remember, brush up and down, not back and forth.</p>
<p>Be careful how you position the strips. They shouldn’t be covering your gums. If your gums are inflamed, cut way back on the white strips. Using them once a week for a month is just as good as several days in a row.</p>
<p>As for the roommate with sticky fingers, try writing down the number of remaining strips on inside of your container, and the date. If she know you are watching, she may resist helping herself. You should definitely open a discussion on sharing and permission at your group dinner. Don’t start by pointing fingers at anyone, have everyone discuss what is off limits, and why.</p>
<p>I just bought something from my dentist called Liquid Smile. It cost 50 dollars and is supposed to be as good as zoom whitening (which I did…this is for my daughter). you brush it on every night before bed for 30 days and its supposed to last for 2 years. The hygienist swears by it and just used it on her daughter who just got her braces off. I tried the bleach trays and they burned my gums…very painful. You might try this stuff. The price is right and I bet it would be better than the whitening toothpaste anyway.</p>
<p>Try using them a different time of day and brush your teeth after you remove them. You may also only want to use them every other day. Do not brush before using and never leave them on longer than recommended…</p>
<p>Next time you see your dentist, tell her/him about your experience using these strips and they can guide you. There’s always a chance you have some other issue with your teeth that’s being exacerbated by using the strips and needs attention.</p>