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5 things to consider while picking the best whitening toothpaste

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Whether you are a food enthusiast, an avid coffee lover, or a former smoker, a brighter smile looks great on everyone! While there are a variety of whitening products and treatments available today, the easiest hack to a whiter smile is switching to a whitening toothpaste. But which toothpaste should you switch to? We’ve got you covered!

How To Choose The Best Whitening Toothpaste?

When selecting the best teeth whitening toothpaste to whiten your teeth effectively, there are a few factors that you may want to consider:

1. Active Ingredients

The most significant difference among teeth whitening toothpastes is their active ingredient. Active ingredients refer to the ingredients in the toothpaste that do the job of effective whitening. There can be different types of active ingredients, or ‘whitening agents’:

  • Ingredients that help remove surface-level stains on your teeth: As the term suggests, surface stains occur on the surface of your teeth. These might occur if you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine. Ingredients like high-cleaning silica can help remove surface-level stains by polishing your teeth. Some toothpastes contain advanced ingredients like tetra potassium pyrophosphate that can further help with removing stains and prevent further stains from attaching to the tooth surface.
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  • Bleaching agents or other ingredients that can remove deeper, intrinsic stains: Some whitening toothpastes and other whitening products use bleaching chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, to brighten the teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is a whitening agent commonly used by dental professionals when they do whitening treatments in their clinics. But hydrogen peroxide usage is regulated in India for the safety of the users hence toothpastes above 0.01% hydrogen peroxide are not sold over the counter in India.

    Colgate offers toothpastes with a patented active oxygen whitening technology that works similar to hydrogen peroxide. When this formula comes into contact with water, it releases oxygen molecules that go within the tooth enamel to lighten the deep stains within the enamel. But some of the best whitening toothpastes in India have advanced technology like oxygenated whitening that delivers a similar effect but safe to use at home.
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Colgate® Visible White O2 Toothpaste

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2. Safety

One of the common side effects people complain about with some whitening products is mild tooth sensitivity. This could be either because of abrasive action or the active ingredients themselves. Chemicals like hydrogen peroxide can cause more discomfort than others - and therefore these are best used by dentists in a controlled environment. 

If you experience mild tooth sensitivity, consider switching to a more gentle toothpaste formulated as a surface stain remover rather than a bleaching toothpaste. However, if you continue to experience sensitivity, it’s best to consult a dental professional.

3. Enamel Protection

Pick a good toothpaste for whitening teeth that protects enamel and helps teeth stay bright. Enamel-protection toothpastes make it harder for stains to penetrate and cause yellowness or discolouration on your teeth.

4. Cavity Prevention

For those with busy daily schedules, a whitening toothpaste that also provides other oral care benefits, such as cavity protection or enamel strengthening, may be a convenient single product choice.  Many toothpastes have fluoride that can offer additional advantages like cavity protection - beyond the primary whitening function. 

What Are The Benefits of Using Teeth Whitening Toothpastes?

Whitening toothpastes can offer several functional benefits that extend beyond just a brighter smile. They can play a role in oral health maintenance and can lead to improved overall dental hygiene:

  • Prevents Stain Buildup: Regular use of whitening toothpaste can help prevent the accumulation of stains from food and beverages, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar formation.

  • Cavity Prevention: Many whitening toothpastes contain fluoride and other ingredients designed to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.

  • Affordability and Accessibility: Compared to professional whitening treatments, whitening toothpastes are a cost-effective solution for maintaining a brighter smile, accessible for daily use.

Best Toothpaste For Whitening: Our Picks

Choosing the best toothpaste for whitening is crucial for achieving a brighter smile and maintaining optimal oral hygiene.

Colgate Visible White Toothpaste

Colgate Visible White toothpaste has whitening agents - silica and pyrophosphate - that gently remove surface-level stains from your teeth. They polish the tooth surface while protecting the enamel, exfoliate stains and polish the tooth surface while protecting the tooth enamel. Its active ingredients, such as silica, start whitening your teeth in 1 week.

Colgate Visible White O2 Toothpaste

Colgate Visible White O2 toothpaste has a revolutionary formula that whitens teeth in three days. It releases millions of active oxygen bubbles, providing a warm sensation and lightening stains. The toothpaste works beyond the surface, whitening each tooth inside out to reveal the natural whiteness of the teeth. It is vegan, gluten-free, and gentle on the tooth enamel, which makes it a top pick. 

Choosing the best whitening toothpaste can perfect your oral health routine and unlock a radiant, brighter smile. Consulting a dentist to find the best paste for teeth whitening for your needs is recommended. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will whitening toothpaste whiten crowns or implants?

Whitening toothpaste is not designed to whiten implants, crowns, caps, bridges, or other dental restorations.

2. Can whitening toothpaste damage enamel?

No, whitening toothpaste is usually considered safe. If you experience extreme teeth sensitivity, you can contact a dental professional to guide you in choosing the right toothpaste. 

3. How much toothpaste should you use on a toothbrush?

The average adult only needs a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for sufficient cleaning, regardless of whether you are using an electric toothbrush or a regular one. It would be best to consult a dentist to know more about teeth and choose the best toothpaste to whiten teeth.

4. Does whitening toothpaste actually work?

Choosing the best whitening toothpaste can enhance your oral care routine and contribute to a brighter, healthier smile. Whitening toothpaste contains polishing agents and special chemicals that effectively scrub off stains unaided by bleaching agents and can brighten the teeth by about one shade.

5. Does using whitening toothpaste increase teeth sensitivity?

Whitening toothpastes are usually safe. Whitening toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can be a good option for teeth whitening. You may also have a dental visit to find the best teeth-whitening toothpaste.