Do I recommend Whitening Toothpaste?

Are you looking for a brighter smile? Whitening toothpaste is popular, but do these products really work? This article explores the truth behind whitening toothpastes, their effectiveness and limitations. Discover the risks of prolonged use and learn about better alternatives for achieving that dazzling smile safely! If you’re serious about whitening your teeth, read on!
October 16, 2024.

Whitening toothpaste has become a staple in many bathroom cabinets, promising a brighter smile with a fast and easy solution. But do these products live up to their claims? Let’s dive into what whitening toothpaste is, how it works, and whether it’s something I recommend for my patients as a dentist.

Whitening toothpastes enhance the brightness of your teeth but are not effective “whitening” products. These toothpastes are effective at removing surface stain by containing a gritty substance that acts as an abrasive to remove surface stain. The level of “grit” or abrasiveness is quantified by its RDA or or its Relative Dentin Abrasion value. For a toothpaste to not be harmful to the dentin, it should have an RDA of 70 or less. Prolonged use of abrasive whitening toothpastes can cause damage to the enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity.

Some whitening toothpastes claim to whiten teeth using peroxide. Peroxide whitening is absolutely effective, but it is a time dependent reaction. Unfortunately brushing for 2 minutes is not long enough for peroxide in whitening toothpaste to effectively whiten your teeth.

If you want to whiten your teeth, toothpaste is not the answer. Use a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite for cavity prevention and consider more effective options for a whiter smile. To correct internal tooth staining, talk to your dental professional about whitening treatments that would best suit your goals and needs!