This is a question that all consumers would like an answer to, before spending extra money on a product. There are so many different brands, with advertising directed to make teeth their whitest and brightest, but it is important to know what ingredients are used, and what results you should expect to achieve.
Generally speaking, whitening toothpastes contain abrasives that polish the teeth gently to remove stains, and chemicals that help to break down or dissolve stains. These ingredients most frequently found in whitening toothpastes are aluminum hydroxide, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sodium tripolyphosphate and peroxide. These first three ingredients are minor abrasives, and peroxide is a bleaching agent. Sodium tripolyphosphate helps to whiten teeth by breaking down or dissolving stains.
On the surface of your teeth, there is a protein layer called pellicle, that is the layer over the enamel of the teeth. Plaque and stains attach to this pellicle layer of your teeth, and your dentist removes this layer formed, when he or she polishes your teeth with pumice during teeth cleaning visits. The surface stains seen on teeth are stains which attach to this pellicle layer, and that is what the minor abrasives in whitening toothpastes remove. The degree to which they are removed depends on how often you use whitening toothpastes, and which ingredients are included.
Whitening toothpaste really does work, by removing surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or smoking, and can actually whiten teeth slightly. You will not be able to change the natural color of your teeth, reverse discoloration of teeth caused by excessive fluoride during early tooth development, or reverse effects of tooth decay using whitening toothpaste however. You should not expect professional teeth whitening results, because the whitening toothpaste is not on your teeth long enough, during your normal teeth brushing.
Whitening toothpaste side effects are very minimal, if not used excessively. They are generally safe for daily use, brushing twice daily for maximum effect. It typically takes two to four weeks to notice whiter teeth. It is important that you do not brush harder, as brushing harder does not enhance removing stains, but may damage the enamel on the tooth, making your teeth more sensitive.
Whitening toothpastes will not permanently whiten your teeth, nor will they get your teeth whiter than their natural color, so when choosing a whitening toothpaste, it is best to get an American Dental Association (ADA) approved brand which has ingredients geared to total oral health care, instead of only whitening ingredients. Because the ADA refers to teeth whitening as cosmetic, the ADA seal of approval is not given to the toothpaste specifically for whitening, but for oral health care. ADA approved whiteners are gentle polishers as opposed to bleaches.
Conclusion
The question is answered. Whitening toothpaste does work, removing surface stains from your teeth. Are they as effective as professional tooth bleaching, no. The ingredients may be as effective, but the deciding factor is the time that these ingredients remain on your teeth. There is relatively new research that has shown, whitening toothpaste containing the chemical blue covarine can make teeth appear whiter, because this chemical adheres to the teeth, and creates an optical illusion making teeth less yellow.
Remember when using any whitening toothpaste, that it should not be used in excess, and that it does not help to brush harder, instead it may harm the enamel on your teeth. Choose an ADA approved brand, and visit your dentist regularly to keep a white, bright smile.
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