How can I stop salivating while using teeth whitening strips?

October 9, 2009 3:34 PM

How can I stop salivating while using teeth whitening strips?

Started using crest whitening strips today. I am supposed to keep them in for 30 minutes twice a day. The problem is, I cannot stop salivating. The spit gathers in the bottom of my mouth, and messes up the bottom whitening strip. Are there any tricks out there to stop salivating for an hour? Can I just stuff some cotton under my tongue? Alternately, is it safe to just swallow the saliva?

posted by ShootTheMoon to health & fitness (6 comments total)

I've swallowed it with no ill effects while using those. I also sometimes used a tissue or paper towel to wick off the gathering saliva. The salivating cut down a lot after the first few days for me, though.
posted by pemberkins at 4:05 PM on October 9

When I started dabbling in pipes and cigars several years ago, I had this problem but it went away after awhile. I guess since I'm not a smoker or gum chewer my brain temporarily equated it with something needing salivation. I might recommend something along the lines of trying to keep a pencil or some other object in your mouth for some comfortable duration every day... maybe even an unlit pipe with nothing in it so you can pratice being that bearded guy in Mad Men. Interestingly there are some ask.mefi threads here on MeFi recommending a pencil between the teeth as a good way to improve speech enunciation and clarity.
posted by crapmatic at 6:04 PM on October 9

I have the same problem. For whatever reason, it helps me to use them separately (just the top, then just the bottom.) It takes longer but it's much more comfortable.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 11:52 PM on October 9

I've found that if I place/stuff a washcloth over my tongue and essentially bite down during the duration of the treatment, i have no problems. it absorbs the moisture but doesn't feel uncomfortable. good luck!
posted by spacelaredo at 8:43 AM on October 10

I've heard of wearing them while in the shower, so one can spit as needed.
posted by supramarginal at 12:35 PM on October 10

fwiw, i like to recline on the couch/bed, half-sitting/half-lying, with my head back (supported by pillows) at a more severe angle, so that i can just swallow the saliva and prevent it from pooling in my mouth.

sounds kinda gross, but it works pretty decently...blargh, such a messy process, those white strips! :P
posted by jus7brea7he at 2:50 PM on October 10