Does toothpaste whiten your teeth?

Written by: Bayside Dentists Team

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This blog is for you if you ever questioned whether or not toothpaste actually works to whiten teeth. I’ll discuss whether or not it’s safe to use whitening toothpaste on a regular basis, as well as the components of paste that might or might not help in whitening. Is there anything unique about toothpaste that could explain its effectiveness? Toothpaste manufacturers have long been aware of this, and have included a number of chemicals in popular kinds specifically for this purpose. About one percent of the whole formula consists of these: fluoride, peroxide, baking powder, abrasives, and antibacterial agents. Variation exists in the concentration of active substances required to have an effect.

So, why do teeth go yellow?

Several things can cause tooth discoloration. Reasons for tooth discoloration include:

  • foods and drinks laden with sugar and simple carbs including raspberries, red wine, coffee, and tea
  • the presence of hereditary predisposition to yellow teeth, the use of tobacco products, the use of certain drugs and mouthwashes, and finally, advanced age.
  • Accidental Mouth Injury
  • overexposure to fluoride
  • bad dental care and hygiene
  • Constantly having a dry mouth or not producing enough saliva

Teeth whitening

Whitening toothpaste, gels, rinses, chips, trays, and items from your dentist are just some of the many options for achieving a brighter smile. Whitening your teeth is best done on those who have never had dental work done on their teeth and have healthy gums and teeth. Teeth with a yellowish tint are the most responsive.

However, not everyone can benefit from this type of cosmetic surgery.

Why do teeth get stained?

Your tooth structure has three distinct levels. From the inside out, the pulp, dentin, and enamel make up the three layers of a tooth. Over time, a coating of dental pellicle will grow over your teeth, and it will contain remnants of the food and drink you’ve consumed. Allowing the pellicle to remain on the tooth will cause it to become embedded in the porous outer layer of porcelain and cause discoloration if not removed. Some foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, and berries, can be particularly hard on teeth because of this.

Normal tooth brushing will remove some dental plaque layers, but a professional dental cleaning is necessary to remove them all.

Whitening Systems

Whitening your teeth at home has never been simpler. You have many options to choose from, such as rinses, gels, gum, toothbrushes, and strips. The American Dental Association advises consulting a dentist before attempting at-home whitening if you have:

  • Replacing missing or damaged teeth Dental work for sensitive teeth
  • Discolored teeth or one particularly discoloured tooth
  • Too many crowns and fillings

Whitening products for use at home use peroxides, commonly carbamide peroxide, at concentrations between 10% and 20%. Pick a solution with a peroxide concentration that lies in the middle of the given options. If the medicine doesn’t cause any discomfort in your mouth but still doesn’t deliver the desired lightning effect, you can try a stronger concentration. Your dentist can advise you on the most effective whitener for your teeth.

Toothpaste Basics

There are two different types of toothpaste on the market: paste and gel. Even though there are a lot of different kinds of toothpaste, they all share a few key components. Among these are:

  • Those that scratch or cut. Materials like calcium phosphate and silicates that scratch the teeth are effective at removing plaque, food particles, and discoloration.
  • Flavouring. For improved flavour, many brands of toothpaste use artificial sweeteners like saccharin. While mint is the most common toothpaste flavour, other options include cinnamon, lemon-lime, and perhaps even bubblegum.
  • Additives called humectants help keep in moisture. To keep the tooth from drying out, ingredients like glycerol are frequently used in paste and gel formulas.
  • Thickeners. The right toothpaste consistency can be attained and preserved with the aid of thickening agents like gums and the sticky molecules present in some seaweeds.
  • Detergents. Detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulphate, provide the foam you see when you clean your teeth.

Fluoride Toothpaste

female patient smiling clinic

When shopping for toothpaste, fluoride should be your top priority. The mineral fluoride occurs in nature. Its widespread adoption over the past half-century has contributed significantly to the worldwide decline in tooth decay or cavity rates.

The bacteria thrive on the sugars and carbohydrates that cling to your teeth long after you’ve finished eating. That acid that is produced can damage your teeth, but fluoride can assist. This is achieved in two ways. To begin, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid damage. Second, it can remineralize areas that have begun to erode, so reversing the effects of acid damage in its earliest stages.

It’s crucial to use fluoride toothpaste to guarantee your teeth are receiving the benefit of this mineral.

Toothpaste that Whitens

Many brands of whitening toothpaste are now available for regular usage to aid those who seek whiter teeth. Bleaches are not commonly seen in whitening toothpaste. However, they do not contain fluoride but rather abrasive particles or molecules that polish the teeth or bond to stains, making it easier to remove them.

In spite of your fears that the abrasive ingredients in whitening mouthwash could injure your teeth, research shows that they are no more abrasive than regular toothpaste.

How teeth whitening toothpaste work

Two different kinds of active components are what set separate these toothpaste from the norm. First, you can use a whitening product like hydrogen peroxide h2o2 or hydrochloric acid, which are milder than the bleaching choices provided by your dentist. Different brands of toothpaste contain varying amounts of peroxide.

Toothpaste designed to whiten your teeth will also contain an abrasive substance. Often, this is a type of silica and even baking powder. This is provided so that more of the stains upon that pellicle layer’s surface can be rubbed away.

The moderate abrasives found in all brands of toothpaste make them effective at removing surface stains. Some whitening toothpastes also have chemical or polishing ingredients that help remove stains gently but effectively. Prices range from around $1 to $20, however this range is not set in stone.

Unlike over-the-counter and skilled whitening treatments, which use carbamide peroxide or hydrochloric acid to lighten the colour deeply in the tooth, whitening toothpaste merely removes surface stains and it does not contain bleach.

Teeth can be lightened by around one shade with the help of whitening toothpaste. However, professional dental whitening using prescription strength can lighten your teeth by three to eight shades.

The real reason your teeth-whitening toothpaste isn’t doing its job

This toothpaste is not a miracle cure for stained teeth, unfortunately. It would be great if it were, and so do we, but sadly it isn’t. And here’s why. While peroxides are effective bleaching agents, the component concentration of most toothpastes is not high enough to have a noticeable or long-lasting whitening impact on teeth. This is due to the fact that toothpaste’s effects are not limited to the teeth, and that excessive use can cause irritation to the gum and cheeks as well. Abrasive materials are effective in removing surface stains, but they also remove some of the enamel along with it.

When enamel is worn down to the dentin underneath, teeth become sensitive. Enamel cannot be restored or replaced by the body.

Whitening toothpaste does work, but using it too often can cause damage. Because of the potential damage to your enamel, you should limit its use.

Substitutes Provided by Experts for Bleaching

Ask your dentist on professionally administered products for the best results in teeth whitening. These include a more potent form of the bleaching agent, so they whiten your teeth more quickly. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations in professional applications can range from 25 to 40 percent, in contrast to the 10 percent carbamide peroxide found in most store-bought bleaching kits.

To prevent gum irritation from these potent therapies, a protective gel and other substance is applied to the gums.

In addition to being more effective, professional teeth whitening treatments also take significantly less time than their counterparts. The average time for a dentist to accomplish this procedure is one hour, saving you decades of tedious maintenance. Whitening toothpaste, when used properly to remove superficial stains, can be an excellent alternative for those seeking whiter teeth.

However, you may want to look into other options if you want to reach underneath the enamel for a whiter, more permanent result.

If you’re unhappy with the shade of your teeth, seeing a dentist is your best bet for resolving the issue once and for all.

How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?

Whitening your teeth won’t last forever. If you eat and drink things that stain your teeth, you may see a change in the whiteness of your teeth within just a month. Depending on the teeth’s current state, the severity of discoloration, and the bleaching method employed, the final shade of whiteness will differ from one individual to the next.

If you want white teeth, follow these guidelines:

  • The consumption of staining meals and beverages should be avoided. Teeth can be dulled by almost anything acidic or tannin-rich. If you want to maintain your teeth white, you should limit your intake of certain foods and drinks, including red and white wine, energy drinks, carbonated drinks, black coffee and tea, berries and other brightly coloured meals, and sauces like soy, spice, and tomato.
  • As soon as possible after consuming something that may stain your clothes, give them a good brushing or a quick rinsing.
  • Maintain a regular routine of healthy dental hygiene. Plaque can only be removed if you brush your teeth a day, floss at least once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash once a day to destroy the germs that create plaque. To avoid tooth discoloration and the need for future use of whitening toothpaste, remove surface stains using this product. The the remainder of the time, just use ordinary toothpaste.
  • Munch on some fresh fruit and some calcium-rich cuisine. Fruits and vegetables can act as a natural “tooth whitener” when eaten regularly. Consider the refreshing feeling in your mouth after enjoying a crisp apple. Diets high in calcium, such those found in cheese, can help preserve tooth enamel and promote a healthy smile.
  • Don’t smoke. The use of any form of tobacco, including cigarettes, pipes, pipes, and chewing tobacco, can cause discoloration of the teeth. Quitting tobacco use has numerous health benefits, including improved dental health and a brighter smile.
  • Visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings. Plaque, which is removed after professional cleanings, is a magnet for food and drink stains. Your dental hygienist is also a terrific resource for maintaining healthy, beautiful teeth.
  • Get a straw and drink from it. That way, less of those colouring substances will come in contact with your teeth.
  • Think about getting some touch-ups done. It’s possible that you’ll need to get touch-ups every six months to a year after getting your teeth whitened. More frequent maintenance may be required if you vape or consume large quantities of beverages that leave stains.

Advice on Purchasing Toothpaste

girl sitting dentist s appointment

Consider the following while you shop for your family’s oral hygiene supplies:

  • Choose ADA compliance. Choose only toothpaste that has the ADA’s stamp of approval for all of your dental care needs. An external panel of scientific experts has deemed this toothpaste to be free from significant safety or efficacy concerns. Furthermore, fluoride is the most vital element in any toothpaste, and all toothpaste that has earned the ADA mark contain fluoride.
  • Keep an eye out for frauds. Some Chinese-made toothpastes were discovered to have diethylene glycol and other hazardous substances in 2007. If a toothpaste labels states “Made in China,” you should probably avoid buying it.
  • Give some thought to what you and your loved ones require. The best dentist is a matter of preference, so long as you choose one that contains fluoride. Choose an all-natural, ADA-approved toothpaste if you’re serious about living a chemical-free life. Parents who want their kids to develop good oral hygiene practises might want to consider buying them fruit-flavored, glittery toothpaste. Some folks can’t wait to have their pearly whites back with the help of whitening toothpaste. Yet others prefer the sensation they get while using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide toothpaste.

You may find the perfect toothpaste by experimenting with numerous brands, kinds, and flavours.

Conclusion

There are numerous ways to whiten your teeth, including the use of toothpaste, gels, rinses, chips, trays, and dental office products recommended by your dentist. People who have never had any sort of dental work done on their teeth benefit the most from teeth whitening. Whitening your teeth at home is not recommended by the American Dental Association. The best teeth whitener is one that your dentist recommends. Home whitening treatments typically contain 10% to 20% carbamide peroxide, the most common type of peroxide used in whitening goods.

Whitening toothpaste, like any toothpaste, will have an abrasive ingredient. Baking soda and other forms of silica often fall into this category. Chemical or polishing compounds can be found in some whitening toothpastes as well, further assisting in the removal of stains. Prices are flexible within a range of about $1 to $20. While whitening toothpaste is effective, excessive usage might be harmful.

Using it too much can irritate your gums and cheeks. Teeth can be whitened more rapidly when using a professional product because of the stronger bleaching ingredient contained therein. A dentist will typically need an hour to do this task. You should stay away from things like red and white wine, soda, black coffee and tea, berries and other brightly coloured foods, and sauces like soy, spice, and tomato. Plaque-causing bacteria can be eliminated using an antiseptic mouthwash used once daily.

It’s recommended that you see the dentist twice every year for cleanings. To ensure your teeth are properly cared for, only use toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). If you are committed to eliminating chemicals from your daily routine, you should use a chemical-free toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Some people can’t wait to use whitening toothpaste to get their once-dazzling smile back.

Content Summary

  • If you have ever wondered if toothpaste can really whiten your teeth, this blog is for you.
  • I’ll go over the ingredients in paste that may or may not aid in whitening, as well as whether or not regular usage of whitening toothpaste is safe.
  • Tooth discolouration can be brought on by various factors.
  • In-home teeth whitening has never been easier.
  • The best teeth whitener is one that your dentist recommends.
  • Whitening toothpaste, like any toothpaste, will have an abrasive ingredient.
  • You should limit your use of it because of the risk of harm to your tooth enamel.
  • If you want whiter teeth fast, talk to your dentist about professionally applied products.
  • Foods and drinks that leave stains should be avoided.
  • Keep up a regular schedule of good oral hygiene.
  • To ensure your teeth are properly cared for, only use toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
  • Choose a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and it doesn’t matter which dentist you go to.
  • If you are committed to eliminating chemicals from your daily routine, you should use a chemical-free toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

FAQs About Teeth Whitening

What is the best method to whiten teeth?

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment.

Is it bad to whiten your teeth?

Is Teeth Whitening Safe For My Enamel? The yellow discoloration of your teeth is the most common sign of damaged enamel. This begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no, teeth whitening doesn’t damage your tooth enamel.

How much does it usually cost to get your teeth whitened?

The average cost of in-office teeth whitening is $650, although it can climb to $1,000 or more, depending on the type of product used and how much your dentist charges.

Can I drink water after teeth whitening?

While beverages and liquids such as milk and water are okay to drink, dark-colored beverages should be avoided after a teeth whitening procedure. Avoid beverages such as coffee, dark sodas, red wines, and tea. You should also avoid dark juices including cranberry, grape, orange, and tomato juice.

How many days a week should you whiten your teeth?

That being said, legally approved tooth whitening products, applied by a trained professional is not dangerous for your teeth. You should still refrain from using such products more often than 3-4 a week, so as to prevent gradual enamel erosion.

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