Whitening Toothpastes: How Effective Are They?

by | Aug 1, 2017 | Blog

You might have seen those cheesy ads on TV—“Insane whitening toothpaste” “Witness results in a single use!” “Instant HD teeth whitening” “If you order now, you get this toothbrush free!”

The Question Is, Do They Work?

First, it is important to understand that our teeth have very different shades. While some of us will have slightly yellowish teeth, others may have whiter, pearl like chompers.

In fact, very few people have the blinding white teeth, we have all been made to believe is healthy. The truth is otherwise. A pearly bright color is what is liked by the masses. They are considered more attractive and are a sign of good oral health.

So when see an ad on TV for a product that guarantees to whiten our teeth within the first use, we are bound to be more inclined towards using it.

Whitening Toothpastes—Do They Really Work?

Contrary to regular toothpastes, whitening toothpastes are designed to reduce and even eliminate superficial stains from teeth, so that over time, you can have a brighter shade of color.

These products do this by the addition of polishing agents and special chemicals. These ingredients are primarily abrasives like silica that aggressively scour the surface of your teeth to wipe away the stained layer.

However, the results of using that “Get white teeth quick” toothpaste aren’t as quick or reliable as they are marketed. In fact, most of these toothpastes wouldn’t help you notice a prominent difference down the line. They are just better for smokers and those who intake a high amount of coffee.

In addition to this, there have been multiple instances where people who used whitening toothpastes for six months or more noticed a sharp increase in sensitivity. They feel a stinging sensation in their teeth when food/drink temperatures fluctuate between hot and cold. That is also logically possible since these toothpastes are designed to actually ‘wear’ down the upper layer of your teeth.

Consider In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Procedures

If you are looking to change the color of your teeth dramatically, within a few sessions, you should consider having them bleached by a dentist. In-clinic teeth whitening procedures are safe, effective and ensure that you get to keep the pearly white shade with basic oral hygiene care.

For those of you looking for the right Silver Spring dental clinic, we are here to help. At Dana DDS & Associates, we are recognized for our cosmetic dentistry services in Silver Springs and guarantee the best teeth whitening results! Schedule an appointment today.

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Our number one priority at Dana Keith DDS is you, the patient. Serving people across Silver Spring and Clovery, MD, as well as the surrounding areas, we are committed to providing the proper resources and services to help you maximize your oral health and overall wellness. From teeth whitening, to TMJ treatment, gum disease treatment, we are proud to offer first-rate services while educating our patients to make informed decisions about their health. 
Our blog serves as one resource where patients can learn more about different dental topics. We hope you find the articles and information helpful.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 301-236-9000.

“My kids, my husband, and I all have gotten excellent care and are very happy with the practice.” – Priti K.