Whitening toothpaste is an easy, affordable way to brighten your smile, making it a popular option for people on a budget. However, many people are unsure whether these products truly work, and if they do, how much whiter they can expect their teeth to become.
At VIP Smiles, we want you to have all the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions about your oral health and your smile’s aesthetics. That’s why we’re presenting this guide to whitening toothpaste that clarifies how it works, what it can and can’t do, and when it may be best to consider professional whitening services at our office.
How Whitening Toothpaste Works
Whitening toothpaste is designed to do exactly what it sounds like: whiten your teeth in addition to cleaning them. It’s intended to remove surface stains, prevent new ones from forming, and create an overall cleaner, brighter appearance.
It achieves this in one of a few ways:
Mild Abrasives
Mild abrasives like silica, calcium carbonate, and baking soda scrub away surface stains left by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. Be careful not to use anything too abrasive, though; choose products that follow the ADA’s guidelines on abrasiveness to avoid damaging the enamel.
Chemical Agents
Some whitening toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. While not as effective as professional treatments due to the low concentration and short contact time, they can still help remove surface stains and create a brighter appearance.
Detergents and Polishing Agents
Foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate help lift debris from the surface of the teeth, and polishing compounds make teeth appear smoother and slightly brighter.
What Whitening Toothpaste Can and Can’t Do
Now that you know how whitening toothpaste works, let’s talk about what it can and can’t do.
With consistent use, you can whiten your teeth by a shade or two. Whitening toothpaste can also help preserve the results of professional whitening by preventing new stains, making it good for long-term maintenance. Plus, its enhanced shine and polish can improve the appearance of your smile.
While whitening toothpaste can remove extrinsic stains — surface-level discoloration — it cannot change the natural color of your tooth enamel or treat deep or internal stains. It does not have the ability to penetrate enamel or reach the dentin layer where deeper discoloration occurs. Only professional whitening treatments can change your teeth’s intrinsic color.
It’s also important to keep in mind that no toothpaste cannot deliver fast, dramatic results. It typically provides gradual changes over weeks or months, not instant transformations. If you opt for whitening toothpaste, don’t expect to instantly be able to see the difference.
Potential Downsides of Whitening Toothpaste
There are some potential downsides of whitening toothpaste to consider, as well. Particularly abrasive formulas may slowly wear down the enamel and contribute to increased sensitivity, especially with overuse. Peroxide-based whitening toothpastes can also irritate your gums.
Some stains — especially those deep within the enamel — won’t respond to whitening toothpaste. It’s important to have realistic expectations so you don’t get misled by marketing or become frustrated when you don’t achieve the dramatic results you want.
Alternatives and When to Consider Professional Whitening
If whitening toothpaste isn’t right for you, there are plenty of other options to consider. At VIP Smiles, we offer professional in-office whitening with the GLO system, which combines heat, light, and a powerful hydrogen peroxide gel to whiten teeth up to twelve shades.
We also offer take-home GLO whitening kits so you can achieve a brighter smile on your own time. While not as powerful as our in-office treatments, they can still provide gradual but highly effective whitening, especially when used between in-office sessions.
There’s also cosmetic dental bonding and veneers, which can cover stubborn stains or enamel defects that may not be addressed effectively by whitening. Schedule an appointment with us to learn more about these options and determine which is right for you.
How to Choose a Whitening Toothpaste
If you decide to use whitening toothpaste, look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Choose formulas with low to medium abrasiveness to prevent enamel wear and sensitivity, and avoid it for children unless their dentist recommends it.
Transform Your Smile at VIP Smiles
If you’re looking for a way to transform your smile, contact VIP Smiles today to schedule a consultation and determine whether whitening toothpaste, professional whitening like the GLO system, or other cosmetic treatments are right for your goals. With a little help from us, you can achieve the brighter, whiter smile you’ve always wanted.
