How Effective are Whitening Toothpastes?

In the quest for a brighter, more dazzling smile, many turn to teeth-whitening products. There are many options available for teeth whitening, whether at your dentist for professional whitening or at your local drugstore for over-the-counter whitening products.

One popular and convenient option is whitening toothpastes. But just how effective are these toothpastes and will they give you the radiant smile you want? Read along to learn more about whitening toothpastes, how they work, their effect on your teeth, and other whitening alternatives you can also consider.

How does whitening toothpaste work?

Whitening toothpaste differs from regular toothpaste in that it contains active ingredients that remove surface stains. These ingredients may be physical abrasives or chemicals that bleach the teeth.

Mild abrasives on whitening toothpastes are formulated with silicon or baking soda. These effectively scrub off and lift surface stains for a brighter smile.

Additionally, some whitening toothpastes rely on a chemical reaction that bleaches the tooth enamel. Look for toothpastes that have peroxides as an ingredient. This is usually in carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. If you have stubborn stains due to frequent consumption of coffee, tea, or wine, this type of whitening toothpastes can help lighten your teeth.

For more effective whitening, dentists recommend using the whitening toothpaste with abrasives first to target surface staining. Over time and with regular use, you can switch to peroxide-based toothpaste to lighten from within the tooth. However, this always varies from person to person.

Immediate Effects

Staining and discolouration of the teeth are usually due to aging, diet, and habits. If you’re dealing with day-to-day surface stains from the food and drinks you consume, or from other habits such as smoking, whitening toothpastes play a big role in removing any stains before they become a permanent part of your smile.

Abrasives on your whitening toothpaste can help scrub off these stains before they create a deeper discolouration that can be hard to remove with regular toothbrushing. Then, peroxide-containing toothpastes can help with maintaining the lightness of the teeth.

However, it is important to note that these immediate effects are subtle and they can take long-term consistent use for you to see the difference. For most people, 2 to 6 weeks of daily use is needed for a whiter smile.

Long-Lasting Effects

As with your other toothpastes, whitening toothpastes are designed for regular application. For best results, dentists recommend using it at least twice a day for several weeks. It is important to know that the effects of whitening toothpastes will not be visible after the first few brushes. And even with consistent use, the level of whitening you want may not always be achieved.

Aside from the frequency of use, the long-lasting effects of whitening toothpastes are also influenced by your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. If you continue consuming staining foods and beverages, the effects of your whitening toothpastes may not be too evident. The same goes if you still frequent nicotine smoking.

Also, if you fail to practice proper hygiene and only rely on brushing, you may not benefit from just regular whitening toothpastes. Incorporate flossing and using mouthwash into your hygiene routine to get the most out of your whiteners. And make sure to visit your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning to remove plaque and other irritants that may stain your teeth and diminish the whitening effect.

Alternatives

While using a whitening toothpaste is a very convenient way to brighten the smile, it may not be suitable for everyone, and the results can be limited. If you are seeking more dramatic whitening and longer-lasting results, Chinook Dental Group offers professional laser teeth whitening. You may also explore options such as LED whitening kits or dentist-prescribed whitening kits.

Let us go over these other whitening alternatives so you can get a better idea of which fits your smile goals better.

In-office Laser Teeth Whitening

At Chinook Dental Group, we use Zoom teeth whitening to deliver the brightest smile to our patients. This is the most advanced teeth whitening system that offers up to 8 shades lighter teeth in under one hour. No more lengthy appointments and daily whitening applications.

Zoom teeth whitening uses high-intensity light and a concentrated bleaching gel for an easy, quick, and hassle-free whitening treatment. It is effective on even the most stubborn discolourations. And with good oral health maintenance, the results can last up to two years before a smile touch-up is needed.

Take-home Whitening Kits

If you want to do your teeth whitening in the comfort of your own home but want better results than regular whitening toothpastes, this is your best option. At Chinook Dental Group, we offer a state-of-the-art imaging system with customized whitening trays for a personalized and comfortable whitening experience.

First, we will assess your smile needs and determine the most perfect shade of white to complement your features. Then, we make your whitening trays using custom impressions. These trays are filled with the bleaching gel and worn over your teeth overnight or as directed. You can even top-up with more whitening gel if you wish to lighten your smile further.

These two options are recommended by our dentists at Chinook Dental Group if you want safe, fast, and efficient whitening. After treatment, you can consider maintenance products such as a whitening toothpaste to prolong the whitening effect.