A bright and white smile is often considered a sign of good oral health. As a result, many look out for various ways to achieve whiter teeth. With so many teeth-whitening products on the market, choosing the right one for your whitening needs would take a lot of work. One of the most popular and accessible options is using the best whitening toothpaste. But does whitening toothpaste really work?
Whitening toothpaste removes stains and lightens tooth colour, making it a convenient option for those looking to enhance their smile. Continue reading to learn more about what is in whitening toothpaste, what makes it different from ordinary toothpaste, how it works, and other available teeth whitening options.
What’s in Whitening Toothpastes?
Ordinary toothpaste has ingredients that offer basic protection against dental plaque and cavities. On the other hand, whitening toothpaste has special formulations to clean and prevent surface stains. Typically, conventional whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives like silica and pyrophosphates, and bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove the extrinsic stains, thereby lightening teeth colour.
The daily use of whitening toothpaste can change the surface of your enamel, making it harder for plaque and stains to stick to your teeth. Some whitening toothpastes may be fluoride-free, while others contain sodium fluoride for added protection against cavities. Ingredients like glycerin, sodium saccharin, and sorbitol are included for the toothpaste’s texture and taste. Some may also contain hydroxyapatite, which helps remineralise and strengthen enamel, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a foaming agent.
What Makes Whitening Toothpaste Different?
Since whitening toothpaste functions beyond just cleaning your teeth, its functionality and ingredients make it different from regular toothpaste. They help remove stains and improve the overall appearance of the teeth. Here are some of the factors that set it apart from regular toothpaste:
Special ingredients: Whitening toothpaste contains active ingredients meant for whitening the teeth, also called whitening agents. These agents help scrub away the surface stains and lighten the colour of the teeth, offering a brighter smile.
Functionality: It helps remove existing stains and prevents new ones from forming. Despite focusing on whitening, these toothpastes also contain ingredients like fluoride, which protects from tooth decay, ensures oral health, provides fresh breath, and is ideal for daily use.
Ease of use: Whitening toothpaste is easier to add to the daily oral care routine, and is also a convenient and affordable alternative compared to other whitening methods and professional whitening treatments.
How Do Whitening Toothpastes Work?
Whitening toothpastes are a popular choice for those looking to brighten their smile without the need for professional treatments. Understanding how a teeth whitening toothpaste works can help you make the most of its benefits. A whitening toothpaste usually works in the following way:
Abrasive action: Whitening toothpastes usually contain mild abrasives, such as hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, and baking soda. These abrasives work by physically scrubbing away surface stains caused by food, drinks, and tobacco. The abrasives help polish the tooth enamel, making teeth appear cleaner and brighter. However, they are designed to be gentle enough to prevent damage to the enamel with regular use.
Whitening agents: Many whitening toothpastes include chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These ingredients penetrate the enamel to break down stains within the teeth. The peroxides typically release oxygen molecules that react with the stained compounds, breaking them apart and resulting in a lighter tooth colour. This chemical process helps to address deeper, intrinsic stains that abrasives alone cannot remove.
Active oxygen: Some whitening toothpastes, like the Colgate Optic White O2 Toothpaste, utilise a new whitening formula that uses millions of active oxygen bubbles to lighten the stains on the teeth. Colgate Optic White O2 ingredients work not only on the surface but from the inside out. This unique technology usually provides a warming sensation during brushing, indicating the product’s effectiveness. Additionally, the formula is gentle on tooth enamel, ensuring safe and effective whitening.
Optical effects: Some whitening toothpastes also contain special pigments, like purple brighteners, which create an instant whitening effect with their colour correction technology. It also contains micro-polishing crystals, which help remove surface stains from the teeth for a radiant smile.
Surface modification: Regular whitening toothpaste can also alter the surface of the enamel, making it smoother and less likely for teeth stains to be retained. This means that the whitening toothpaste removes the existing stains and helps minimise future staining.
Getting The Most From Your Whitening Toothpaste
Even if you are using the best whitening toothpaste, there are some things that you should keep in mind while trying to whiten your teeth. It is normal for it to take several weeks to see results after using whitening toothpaste. Additionally, here are some tips for you to follow that will help you get the most from your whitening toothpaste:
Be consistent: For effective results, it is mostly suggested to use whitening toothpaste twice a day. Consistently following this brushing routine can help to remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming.
Proper brushing technique: According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, brushing the teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles is recommended. Additionally, they encourage brushing all surfaces of the teeth, including the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces, to ensure a thorough cleaning routine.
Follow the instructions: It is important to read and follow the instructions provided on the toothpaste packaging. Some whitening toothpastes may have specific usage guidelines on how to use them or recommendations for the amount of toothpaste to use.
Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks: To maintain the whitening effects, it is better to limit the consumption of foods and drinks that can cause staining, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. If consuming, rinse the mouth with water afterwards or brush the teeth if possible.
Regular dental check-ups: It is best to address any underlying dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, before starting whitening treatments. Also, your dental professional can provide advice on the best whitening toothpaste for your personalised needs.
Lifestyle adjustments: Consider making lifestyle adjustments to support your whitening efforts. Quitting smoking, for example, can prevent further discolouration and improve overall oral health.
Complementary oral care: Using other oral care products that support whitening, such as mouthwash or floss, can also help. These products can help reach areas that brushing alone might miss and enhance the overall whitening effect.
Other Whitening Options
While whitening toothpaste can be an effective and convenient way to get white teeth, there are several other options that could also be considered. If you are searching for whitening products that are safe for enamel and will not lead to sensitive teeth, exploring Colgate’s best teeth whitening products can help.
Below are some of the most popular alternatives for teeth whitening toothpaste. However, consulting a dental professional is ideal if you need more personalised advice on choosing a whitening product, as it helps determine the most suitable and effective whitening method for you.
Teeth Whitening Pens
Whitening pens typically contain active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These pens contain a whitening gel that is applied directly to the teeth after brushing. The gel should remain on the teeth for a specific period of time, which will allow the whitening agents to break down stains and gradually lighten the tooth colour.
The whitening pen contains hydrogen peroxide in lower concentrations compared to professional treatments. The whitening gel can be applied to the teeth and left overnight for effective results. While numerous teeth whitening pens are available in Malaysia, their effectiveness can vary, and some may contain stronger agents than whitening toothpaste. It is important to use them carefully to avoid side effects. Consulting your dentist before choosing a whitening pen is advisable.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits
Over-the-counter whitening kits are easily available and typically include products like gels and trays. These kits are generally more affordable than professional treatments, and their user-friendliness and accessibility make them the ones to be used at home. These kits generally use a peroxide-based gel that breaks down stains on the tooth’s surface for whitening the teeth. The trays help apply the serum more effectively. Some advanced trays even have LED lights to boost the serum’s whitening effect.
Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are thin strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The active ingredient in the strip gel helps gently bleach the teeth to brighten them. They are usually applied directly to the teeth and worn for a specific period of time. Some love using whitening strips, as they provide noticeable results when used correctly and are easy to use at home. However, it is important to follow the directions on the package carefully, as incorrect usage can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or even enamel erosion.
Professional In-Office Whitening
Professional teeth whitening treatments can offer effective results quickly and in the shortest span of time. These treatments typically use a higher concentration of bleaching agents and may use special lights or lasers to boost the whitening effect. In-office treatments are perfect for those looking for immediate and noticeable results. However, the effectiveness of the treatment can differ from one person to another.
Although professional teeth whitening treatments are more expensive and not permanent, they typically provide longer-lasting results than over-the-counter products. The longevity of these results depends on the treatment type and individual habits.
Custom-Fit Whitening Trays
Although you can buy whitening trays over the counter, custom-fit teeth whitening trays made by a dental professional provide more precise and effective whitening. To create these trays, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make custom moulds. These moulds are then used to produce thin, flexible trays that fit your teeth perfectly. These trays come with a professional-strength whitening gel that effectively removes stains for at-home whitening.
Whitening toothpaste is a popular choice for anyone seeking to achieve a brighter smile. While the best whitening toothpaste can help remove stains to enhance your smile, using it correctly and consistently is important to get the best results. However, exploring other whitening options may be helpful for those who want more dramatic and faster results. Maintaining good oral hygiene and lifestyle adjustments are key to a bright and healthy smile, regardless of the method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best toothpaste to whiten teeth?
Is it OK to use whitening toothpaste every day?
Can whitening toothpaste remove deep stains?
Can I use whitening toothpaste with other whitening products?
The best whitening toothpaste for your teeth typically varies based on individual needs. However, if you are looking for an enamel-safe and sensitivity-free toothpaste, then the various Colgate whitening toothpastes can be a great choice.
Whitening toothpaste is considered safe to use every day if the product is formulated to be used that way. However, if you experience any discomfort, it is recommended that you consult a dental professional.
Whitening toothpaste can help reduce surface stains, but it may not be effective for deep or intrinsic stains. For deeper discolouration, you might need professional whitening treatments or products specifically designed with whitening agents that focus on intensive stain removal.
You can use whitening toothpaste with other whitening products, including mouthwash or whitening strips. This could help in enhancing the whitening effect. However, consulting a dental professional for more personalised advice is important.
