Getting the perfect smile with white teeth is a goal for many Australians. There are various options to achieve this goal, such as using a whitening toothpaste, but does whitening toothpaste work?
The short answer is that it depends. Different whitening toothpaste brands use several different ingredients, some more effective than others.
Products advertised as abrasive whitening toothpaste clean surface stains and plaque off your teeth, but they can’t remove the intrinsic stains that sit under the surface. Other kinds of toothpaste contain bleaching agents that are effective at removing both surface and intrinsic dental stains but can also cause issues if not purchased from reputable brands.
What’s in Whitening Toothpaste
When you ask, “does whitening toothpaste work?” you should also consider what ingredients they contain. Abrasive toothpastes, like those containing charcoal, alumina, silica, or calcium carbonate, have a slightly rough texture to aid in removing surface stains.
Some toothpastes contain bleaching agents, which are chemicals that can penetrate into the tooth to improve stains underneath the outer layer. Hydrogen peroxide is a common bleaching agent used in whitening toothpastes.
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in toothpaste is controlled by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), and it’s crucial to buy from recognised brands that have the ADA logo on their packaging. Avoid purchasing whitening toothpastes online from overseas that do not pass Australian regulations. They may contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that can be damaging when not used by a trained dentist.
How Effective Are Whitening Toothpastes?
Whitening toothpastes are not likely to turn heavily-stained teeth perfectly white. However, they can have some results.
Whitening toothpastes that target surface stains can make your teeth appear a little lighter by returning them to their natural colour. This is very similar to when you get a dental cleaning, but it won’t lighten naturally-darker colours from deeper stains though.
Whitening toothpastes with hydrogen peroxide or other peroxide bleaching agents do have some success at targeting deeper stains underneath the tooth’s enamel.
Results may require weeks or even months of consistent use because the ADA restricts hydrogen peroxide concentrations to under 6% for over-the-counter products.
Do Whitening Toothpastes Damage Teeth?
Overuse of whitening toothpaste can cause some types of dental damage. Toothpastes containing hydrogen peroxide can, in some cases, irritate the gums, which can cause damage if it happens repeatedly. Irritation typically occurs if you have sensitive gums.
Abrasive whitening toothpastes can also cause some damage if overused. Abrasion can wear down the enamel of your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and increased chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
When using these products, purchase toothpaste containing fluoride, which helps remineralise dental enamel for healthier teeth.
Can I Use Whitening Toothpaste Daily?
Always check the instructions on the product’s label first, and follow the directions regarding how often to use it.
You can use some whitening toothpaste that contains bleaching agents once or twice a day, while others require less use. Additionally, some toothpaste with highly abrasive ingredients may wear down dental enamel faster if used daily.
Contact your dentist if you have questions or doubts about a teeth whitening product. They will have a list of recommended products chosen for their effectiveness and safety.
Professional Whitening Alternatives
Yes, whitening toothpaste is an easy way to improve the colour of your teeth at home. But, there are professional alternatives that you can choose which are faster and more effective.
In-Chair Teeth Whitening
In-chair teeth whitening is when you visit the dentist’s office for a complete whitening service. By going to a licensed professional, you receive higher-quality whitening agents than those found in over-the-counter toothpaste. This means you get more noticeable results faster.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Dentists can also provide patients with take-home kits. These kits contain whitening gels with a lower concentration of bleaching agent than the in-chair whitening. However, they are still stronger and more effective than whitening toothpaste bought from the supermarket.
Dental Veneers
If whitening is not an appropriate option for your dental health, or if there are other cosmetic items you want to address simultaneously, then dental veneers may be the right option. Veneers are thin, shell-like pieces that attach to the surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. You can use veneers to cover dark stains, chips, cracks, gaps, and more.
Ready for a Quality Dental Whitening for a Better Smile?
Does whitening toothpaste work? To some degree, yes. However, it is crucial to purchase whitening toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval to ensure you use products that have undergone appropriate testing. If you have questions about the best teeth-whitening toothpaste or professional whitening services, contact our team at Boon Dental.
Improving the colour and appearance of your teeth isn’t just about using whitening products. Try reading about our six tips for getting the best oral health to help prevent future dental staining and support your teeth’ health.