Does Whitening Toothpaste Work? Which Toothpaste is the Best?

If you want to have a brighter smile, you may have wondered if whitening toothpaste can help you achieve that. Whitening toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains ingredients that can remove or reduce stains on your teeth. But how effective is it and which toothpaste is the best safe for whitening your teeth? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to use whitening toothpaste safely and effectively.

How does whitening toothpaste work?

Whitening toothpaste works by removing surface stains on your teeth, such as those caused by drinking coffee, tea, wine, or smoking. It does not go beyond the enamel surface and change any discolouration underneath. Therefore, the effectiveness is very limited as it does not change the natural colour of your teeth or bleach them. Whitening toothpaste usually contains one or more of the following ingredients:

• Abrasives, such as silica or calcium carbonate, that scrub away the stains
• Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that break down the stains
• Blue covarine, that creates an optical illusion of whiter teeth by making them appear less yellow

Whitening toothpaste can make your teeth appear slightly whiter over time, but the results are not dramatic or permanent. You need to use whitening toothpaste regularly and consistently to maintain the effect.

Which toothpaste is safe for whitening your teeth?

There are many brands and types of whitening toothpaste available on the market, but not all of them are equally effective or safe. When choosing a whitening toothpaste, you should look for the following features:

• The ingredients: You should check the label for the active ingredients that can whiten your teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or blue covarine. You should also look for sodium fluoride, which can prevent cavities and strengthen your teeth.
• The abrasiveness: You should avoid whitening toothpaste that is too abrasive, as it can damage your enamel (the outer layer of your tooth) and cause sensitivity or erosion. You can check the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) score of your toothpaste online or ask your dentist for advice. The RDA score measures how abrasive a toothpaste is on a scale from 0 to 250. The lower the score, the less abrasive the toothpaste is.
• The seal of approval: You should look for a whitening toothpaste that has been tested and approved by a reputable organisation, such as the Oral Health Foundation (OHF). These organisations have strict standards for safety and effectiveness and award their seal of approval to products that meet their criteria.

How to use whitening toothpaste safely and effectively?

Whitening toothpaste is generally safe to use if you follow the instructions and precautions. However, some people may experience side effects such as sensitivity, irritation, or enamel damage. Special attention may need to be put on toothpaste with high abrasiveness, because it abrades enamel and make it thin, thin enamel will bring up the underneath dentine and, on the contrary, make teeth look yellowish. To use whitening toothpaste safely and effectively, you should follow these tips:

• Choose a whitening toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Use whitening toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes each time
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure when brushing
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing
• Do not use whitening toothpaste more than recommended or longer than advised
• Do not use whitening toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, dental restorations, or braces
• Consult your dentist before using whitening toothpaste if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 years old
• Stop using whitening toothpaste and see your dentist if you experience any pain, discomfort, or adverse reactions

Conclusion

Whitening toothpaste can help you achieve a brighter smile by removing or reducing surface stains on your teeth. However, whitening toothpaste is not a miracle product that can change the natural colour of your teeth or bleach them. You may need to use whitening toothpaste regularly and consistently to see the results, and the results are not dramatic or permanent. You also need to choose a whitening toothpaste that is effective and safe for your teeth and follow the instructions and precautions when using it. If you want more noticeable or lasting results, you may need to consider professional teeth whitening. You should consult your dentist before trying any whitening products or procedures to find out what is best for you.