Teeth Whitening Toothpaste: How Does It Work?
Only dental whitening uses prescription gels and custom made trays - contact us for options, prices and pay monthly finance.
Teeth whitening toothpastes are extremely popular, promising brighter-looking smiles in just a short period of time. You may be wondering, how exactly do they do this? And can they actually change the shade of your teeth? Let’s go into more detail.
Teeth whitening toothpaste: How does it work?
This type of product typically uses an abrasive ingredient to polish the teeth while you brush. Other products will use a mild bleaching agent. With continued use, a tooth whitening toothpaste can help to lift surface stains caused by tea, coffee and tobacco. The effects of this oral care product is likely to be quite minimal, and will work best on mild discolouration. We advise using it with other teeth whitening methods, such as an at-home kit, to further enhance your results. Do teeth whitening toothpastes make any difference on dental fixtures like dental implants? No. This is because the materials used are non-porous. Porcelain veneers, dental crowns and composite bonding cannot be whitened either.
Ingredients to look for in a whitening toothpaste
So, which ingredients will help to make your teeth white? Paste wise, these are the best components to look out for.
- Baking soda: Gently polishes teeth and protects against decay.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Breaks down surface stains.
- Carbamide peroxide: Targets everyday stains caused by your diet.
- Fluoride: Strengthens the enamel, reduces plaque and protects against decay.
- Diamond particles: Polishing action provides an enhanced clean.
- Hydrated silica: Gently exfoliates teeth.
- Natural enzymes: Help teeth appear whiter. Examples include strawberries and pineapple.
Now that we have covered the best ingredients, let’s discuss the ingredients that should be avoided.
- Chlorine dioxide: Extremely acidic, causes enamel erosion and sensitivity.
- Charcoal: Overly abrasive nature increases risk of decay and enamel erosion.
- Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS): May cause ulcers, inflammation and irritation.
Pros and cons of a toothpaste that whitens teeth
Thinking of adding this product to your oral health care routine? Here are the advantages and disadvantages to be aware of before making your purchase.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Low cost | Not suitable for moderate-severe discolouration |
Widely available | May cause tooth sensitivity |
Easy to use | Requires consistent application for minimal results |
Addresses surface stains and mild discolouration | Overuse leads to enamel wear and gum irritation |
Top 5 teeth whitening toothpastes
The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite have created the ultimate top five ranking of toothpastes that will give you the dazzling smile of your dreams. After careful market research, we have named the following as the best options:
- Colgate Optic White Pro Series
- Arm & Hammer Advance White Pro Toothpaste
- Crest 3D White Brilliance Whitening Toothpaste
- Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
- Marvis Whitening Toothpaste
We also recommend carrying out your own research to make sure the toothpaste you choose suits your specific oral health needs. For example, Sensodyne is a great choice for patients with sensitive teeth and gums. Want maximum whitening? We found that Colgate’s Optic White Pro Series delivers the brightest results. Alternatively, if you smoke, the Marvis Whitening Toothpaste has been proven to be very effective at whitening.
Conclusion: With continued application, a teeth whitening toothpaste can help treat mild surface stains. However, Yorkshire Dental Suite finds that it is most effective when paired with other teeth whitening methods. If you are looking for a more long-term solution to your teeth discolouration, contact YDS today. We provide a wide range of treatments, including an industry-leading teeth whitening kit, dental bonding and veneers.