Whitening toothpastes are a cheap and easily available substitute for professional teeth whitening, but are they effective? Dentist suggest, Whitening toothpastes seem to work to a small extent by removing stains from the teeth’s surface, like those caused by smoking or drinking coffee. However, these products are not capable of changing the natural color of your teeth or treating stains that have a deep impact on the teeth.
Whitening toothpastes, unlike other tooth-whitening products don’t contain hydrogen peroxide. Instead, they normally include:
- Gentle abrasives, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and hydrate aluminum oxide that polish the teeth
- Special chemicals that dissolve or break down stains
Some of these whitening toothpastes contain a chemical known as blue covarine that sticks to the teeth surface and creates and optical illusion, which can make the teeth appear whiter and less yellow. These whitening toothpastes may be effective in eradicating stains from the teeth’s topmost layer, but they can actually destroy your enamel in the long run. No whitening toothpaste or whitening products have been proven effective for removing discoloration on the deeper layers of your teeth.
You can see results from whitening toothpaste if you use it for brushing your teeth twice a day for up to 6 weeks. If you are thinking of buying a tooth whitening toothpaste, go for a brand that offers a seal of approval from a known dental organization, like the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This will ensure the toothpaste is effective at getting the job done and also safe for use.
If you are not satisfied with the results of your current whitening toothpaste, it is suggested you consult your dentist about other tooth whitening products, like whitening strips or good quality over-the-counter bleaching products. If the products don’t show results, you might have to opt for whitening treatment.
