Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
Even if you adhere to near-perfect dental hygiene, you can still end up with yellow teeth. Your age, the food you eat and your lifestyle habits can all contribute to stains and yellowed teeth that aren't exactly picture-perfect. Of course, thanks to the availability of whitening toothpaste, you don't necessarily have to see your dentist to restore your gleaming white smile. But before you pick up a toothpaste that promises to whiten your teeth, make sure you understand the hows and whys so you can pick out the right product.
While there are numerous options available on the shelves of pharmacies, not all whitening toothpastes are created equally. It's the active ingredients that make the real difference in how effectively the products whiten. Usually, toothpastes include one of three whitening ingredients:
As long as whitening products are indicated for daily use, you can use them on a daily basis. Some people might experience sensitivity when using products that contain hydrogen peroxide. You can ease sensitivity by alternating the whitening toothpaste with a regular or sensitive toothpaste each day.
The length of time it takes for a product to whiten your teeth depends greatly on the ingredients and the purpose of the toothpaste. If, for example, you use a new toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide, you'll see results much more quickly than if you use a whitening toothpaste that contains only surface-stain removers.
Whitening your smile with daily brushing makes sense. You're brushing anyway, so you might as well whiten your teeth too. By understanding what makes these toothpastes tick, you will have better control over the ingredients you use and how soon you can get a perfect smile.
