Do Tooth Whitening Toothpastes Really Work?

by Willow Tree Dental and Orthodontic Centre on Tooth Whitening and Whitening Toothpastes

What Is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that lightens and brightens discolored teeth, resulting in a smile with more sparkle. It’s generally used to improve the look of yellowing or stained teeth caused by food, drinks, smoking and aging.

Whitening gels will remove both extrinsic (surface) & intrinsic (deep) stains as well as change the natural pigmentation of your tooth.

Professional tooth whitening will change the colour of the top two layers of your tooth, enamel and dentine.

You can choose from at-home whitening or in-practice whitening, both use active whitening gels to bleach the tooth.

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

The use of at-home whitening kits purchased online is extremely dangerous, with many of them containing far more than the legal limit of hydrogen peroxide.

Professional whitening gels are a licensed, prescription-only product and can only legally be supplied by a qualified, registered dental professional, this is the only safe way to eliminate any risk of irreparable damage to your teeth and gums. We would strongly advise you not to consider any online tooth whitening products.

If you are concerned about the health of your gums and teeth after using whitening product you purchased online, you should visit a dentist immediately!

At Willow Tree Dental, our experienced team of specialists provide spectacular tooth whitening solutions that are customised to your needs.

Whether you prefer the convenience of an at-home kit or an in-practice treatment; you can rest assured knowing each option is safe and offers stunning results!

What About Whitening Toothpastes?

Getting back to the point, “Do whitening toothpastes really work?”

The answer to this question isn’t as simple as a yes or no. It depends on what type of discoloration your teeth have and what you hope to achieve.

When it comes to tooth discoloration, there are two categories: extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains refer to surface-level staining that occurs due to things like coffee, tea, tobacco, food, and medication. Whitening toothpastes do a great job at addressing these types of surface-level stains because they contain mild abrasives that help remove buildup and polishes the teeth.

However, if your discoloration is due to intrinsic stains, whitening toothpastes won’t be effective.

If your teeth are naturally yellowish in color, for example, no amount of scrubbing and polishing will make them whiter. For these kinds of tooth discolorations, you’ll need to turn to professional tooth whitening with a dentist.

Professional dental teeth whitening utilizes bleaching agents to penetrate beneath the enamel layer and target the dentine layer beneath it—the part responsible for making our teeth look their brightest white.

The bleaching agent used in professional treatments is much more effective than any whitening toothpaste, and it will help bring new life to your smile.

So, in a nutshell, if you’re dealing with extrinsic surface-level stains on your teeth, whitening toothpastes are a good option for removing them.

But if your wondering “will whitening toothpaste change the colour of my teeth?” the answer, unfortunately is no! Professional dental whitening is the only way to achieve a whiter smile!

Taking Care Of Your Teeth!

Whether you decide to give whitening toothpaste a try or want to opt for professional whitening treatment it’s important to ensure that your teeth are in the best shape possible before starting.

Check with your dentist first – the abrasive ingredients in whitening toothpastes may cause damage if you have existing dental and excessive use can wear away enamel!

In addition, a dental professional should always carry out a thorough dental examination before prescribing any whitening treatment!

Don’t forget, regular brushing and good oral hygiene habits should always come first when it comes to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile!