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Does whitening toothpaste really work

Does whitening toothpaste really work

Teeth whitening is a popular way to enhance one’s oral look cosmetically. Traditionally, people preferred visiting a dentist to get the job done because the process is professional and effective. However, other methods have grown popular, such as whitening toothpaste. Unlike other methods, whitening toothpaste is easy-to-use. They are also designed to give your teeth that much-desired shine. We have listed a few things about whitening toothpaste in this article.

How whitening toothpaste works
There is an abundance of whitening toothpaste products for sale in stores. But not all of them work the same way. Some include ingredients that work as surface stain removers on the teeth. Such toothpaste variants can remove discoloration caused by staining from foods and drinks. Others contain bleaching ingredients designed to modify the color of teeth. The effect of toothpaste with bleaching ingredients kicks in faster and lasts longer than other formulas.

The common ingredients
The active ingredients in toothpaste can define how well the product works when one brushes their teeth. Brands often include one of these three ingredients below.

  • Mild abrasives
    A toothpaste with mild abrasives does not have bleaching ingredients. Therefore, these pastes only remove stains from the surface by gently brushing the enamel.
  • Carbamide peroxide
    Carbamide peroxide is an ingredient found in whitening toothpaste and other whitening products like trays and whitening gels. The element is a bleaching agent capable of breaking down into other compounds such as hydrogen peroxide.
  • Hydrogen peroxide
    The ingredient hydrogen peroxide is another bleaching agent present in store purchases and professional treatments. Unlike other products, hydrogen peroxide can alter the color of the teeth. One should note that the toothpaste does not contain a concentration of the ingredient solely because it is not meant for one-time use. So to notice its effects, the person must brush their teeth with the respective toothpaste regularly.

Who should not use whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can indeed help enhance the overall look of teeth. But there are some instances for which such toothpaste is discouraged. A few of them are as follows:

  • Sensitive teeth
    People with sensitive teeth and gums, defective restorations, or receding gums may face a lot of uneasiness. The uneasiness may occur because of the ingredients whitening toothpaste contain. Furthermore, those allergic to peroxide must also avoid any bleaching products.
  • Complications in the gums
    Some people may be affected by gum disease, exposed roots, cavities, and other complications. Healthcare experts advise treating cavities before they resort to any whitening toothpaste. The reason is that the ingredients of whitening toothpaste may pass through the decayed inner layers of the tooth. So using a whitening toothpaste in this situation may cause sensitivity in the gums. Further, the procedure will not work on exposed tooth roots due to the lack of an enamel layer.
  • Children below 16
    Dental experts discourage children under the age of 16 from using whitening pastes. The pulp chamber is enlarged during this age. So using teeth whitening formulas at their age may trigger sensitivity or irritation of the chamber.
  • Dental restorations
    Dental restorations like crowns, bonding, veneers, or bridges use resin composite and tooth-colored fillings to get the job done. If an individual uses whitening toothpaste on the altered teeth, it will lead to uneven whitening. The reaction will make teeth without restoration look lighter than those worked on by the dentist.

The best whitening toothpaste
We know who should not use whitening toothpaste. It is equally important to learn about the ones good for our teeth. With so many products in the market, there are only a few reliable ones to fall back on to get the job done. We also recommend speaking to a dentist before using any whitening products on the teeth.

Crest® 3D White™ Brilliance
Ranked among the top whitening brands, Crest® 3D White™ Brilliance offers to remove stains from the surface of teeth in five days. The product also claims up to 24 hours of stain protection when used twice a day. The product is available on Bed Bath and Beyond’s website for $6.99.

HiSmile PAP+ Whitening Toothpaste™
For those interested in a peroxide-free formula suitable for teeth whitening, the PAP+ Whitening Toothpaste™ from Hismile is worth the investment. One can purchase it for $36 on Hismile Teeth’s official website. The formula claims to be free of sensitivity and irritation.

Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
A two-tube pack of Colgate’s Total Whitening Toothpaste is available on Rite Aid for just $7.49. The product offers a minty and zingy flavor with compounds like zinc, silica, and stannous fluoride that influence teeth whitening.

 

Hello Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
The Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste from the brand Hello is a popular pick for vegans. The product is made from natural ingredients like coconut oil, tea tree oil, and a blend of calcium and fluoride that help whiten the teeth. Buy the product online from Grove for just $5.39.