In search of a simple and inexpensive way to achieve a bright white smile, many people turn to whitening toothpaste. Admit it, the marketing tricks that show us pearly teeth in toothpaste ads work flawlessly. It seems like if you just buy that tube, your teeth will instantly sparkle!
But, unfortunately, it’s not that simple. That’s why we decided to set the record straight and explain how whitening toothpaste actually affects enamel. So that next time you go to the store, you choose oral care products not because of appealing advertising, but based on your dentist’s recommendation, paying attention to the ingredients.
And here come a few questions:
- Does whitening toothpaste really help?
- Can it cause harm?
- How often can such a hygiene product be used?
- Are there alternatives?
Let’s go step by step. First, whitening toothpaste cannot directly lighten the enamel itself.
The principle of any toothpaste is to clean soft, pigmented dental plaque.
How does whitening toothpaste create an effect?
- Abrasives. These are the most popular products, known for excellent polishing properties. Abrasives usually include silicon or aluminum oxides, as well as dicalcium phosphate. The larger the abrasive particles, the better the effect.
- Enzymes. The safest whitening component in toothpaste is papain, an enzyme found in papaya fruit.
- Chemical agents. Most whitening toothpastes contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. The enamel lightening occurs through a chemical reaction that breaks down plaque.
Yes, whitening toothpaste gives a small visible effect, but only by removing soft plaque. The darker the initial stains (from smoking, tea, coffee, red wine, and other coloring foods), the more noticeable the result.
What about benefits and harms?
Undoubtedly, brushing your teeth is beneficial for dental health. However, there are nuances everywhere, and whitening toothpaste is no exception.
Abrasive and chemical toothpastes should not be used indiscriminately. In the first group, polishing particles not only remove plaque and polish enamel, but also scratch it. In the second group, chemical agents can easily cause allergic reactions, gum disease, or discoloration of fillings and teeth.
It is better to use such toothpaste no more than twice a year in one-month courses, after which a mandatory dentist check-up is recommended.
- Do not use whitening products if you have cavities, enamel defects, or gum disease.
- Do not use toothpaste containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide – this is the maximum safe concentration.
- When buying abrasive toothpaste, pay attention to the RDA index. For healthy teeth, 80–100 units is acceptable, but if your teeth are sensitive, avoid toothpaste with an index over 25 units.
What are the alternatives?
There are folk methods of whitening, but we strongly advise against using them, as they can damage enamel, trigger allergic reactions, or worse, burn the mucous membranes.
Want to slightly lighten your teeth at home? Eat firm, unsweetened apples, strawberries, and celery. Try to avoid staining foods and smoking (the main external cause of pigmented plaque).
If you truly want a bright white smile and to lighten your teeth by several shades, professional whitening at the dentist’s office is recommended. First, the procedure is supervised by a dentist. Second, you’ll receive guidance on how to care for your teeth and maintain whiteness for a long time.
Do not experiment too much with your teeth: unfortunately, we are not given replacements.
Stay healthy!
