Many teeth-whitening products claim to improve the color of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste is one of the most popular methods. You may wonder if whitening toothpaste is bad if you use it daily or are thinking about using it.
The best whitening toothpaste contains ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which help remove stains. Whitening toothpaste is generally safe to use. These products, however, can lead to teeth sensitivity, irritate your gums, and damage enamel if you use them too often.
Does whitening toothpaste work? Whitening toothpaste helps remove stains from food and beverage consumption, tobacco use, and more. Here's what you need to know about how whitening toothpaste works, the risks, and recommendations for using the product.
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Whitening toothpaste, as well as other whitening products, essentially removes stains on and within your teeth. Those stains can be extrinsic, intrinsic, or both.
Extrinsic stains are due to:
- Environmental factors
- Food and beverage consumption (e.g., dark fruit and teas)
- Lifestyle behaviors (e.g., tobacco use)
Intrinsic stains result from internal tooth coloration from the tooth enamel or dentin. The enamel is the hard outer part of the tooth. The dentin is the hard tissue inside the tooth. The intrinsic stains can come from aging, genetic disorders, or antibiotic use during childhood.
What Is the Best Whitening Toothpaste?
Like any good toothpaste, most whitening blends contain fluoride as the active ingredient. Fluoride prevents cavities and gum disease but does not whiten teeth. The brightening effect is primarily due to the mechanical abrasives, such as hydrated silica, charcoal, and baking soda, that scrub away stains.
Whitening toothpaste may also contain different types of whitening agents, such as:
- Antiredeposition agents, which prevent teeth discoloration after whitening
- Bleaching agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide)
- Colorants, or dyes that make teeth white
- Surfactants (surface-active agents)
Some ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, might be too harsh for sensitive teeth and gums. Look for options that include fluoride and potassium nitrate, which are gentler on teeth and gums.
Whitening toothpaste is generally safe to use. However, if you use it for long periods, it may damage enamel and irritate your gums and teeth. Do not use whitening toothpaste more often than the label indicates—for example, once or twice daily for six weeks—or as a dentist advises.
Irritation of Gums and Teeth
Overusing whiteners can generally be irritating to gums, known as gingival irritation. The peroxide content in bleaching gels for whitening trays may lead to burns and ulcers on the gums' tissues.
The peroxide in whitening toothpaste can lead to teeth sensitivity. High peroxide content has been linked to instances of tooth sensitivity. Other problems caused by whitening toothpaste may include circumoral dermatitis (inflamed skin around your mouth) and mucosal irritation (irritation of the mucus membranes in your mouth).
Tooth Enamel Damage
Whitening toothpaste may damage tooth enamel over time if you rely on it too frequently. Research has found that whitening toothpaste can minimize the enamel's mineral content, resulting in rough teeth surfaces and low levels of tooth hardness. Using whitening toothpaste with abrasives may also cause teeth roughness and hardness issues in just one week.
Brushing too hard or using a very hard bristle toothbrush can exacerbate potential enamel damage. Ensure you use the correct amount of pressure when brushing and select a toothbrush with the proper bristle hardness.
Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening Toothpaste?
Whitening toothpaste is generally safe for daily use. The safest and most effective whitening toothpaste and other whitening products will have theADA Seal of Acceptance.
It's best not to use whitening toothpaste if you:
- Have allergies to or may have allergic reactions to any bleaching ingredients
- Have many tooth-colored restorations (only natural teeth can be whitened, not crowns or implants)
- Have or recently had sensitive teeth
Whitening toothpaste is only one of the options for teeth whitening. You can also get whiter teeth by:
- Getting professional whitening treatments in a dentist's office
- Painting whitening gels on your teeth
- Using whitening trays or strips
Oral Hygiene Tips
It doesn't hurt if you want to have whiter teeth, but it's essential to have healthy teeth. The following tips can help you take care of your oral health:
- Brush your teeth using a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice per day
- Clean between your teeth every day
- Limit high-sugar drinks and foods
- Maintain regular dental visits to prevent and treat any oral problems, such as cavities or gum disease
- If you are concerned about staining, minimize foods known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, and soy sauce, and rinse your mouth shortly after consuming these foods
- Quit, or do not start, smoking or using tobacco products in general
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Whitening toothpaste can be safe to use. Prolonged use can lead to gum and teeth irritation and tooth sensitivity. Whitening toothpaste is not for everyone, such as those with allergies to whitening ingredients.
Other options for whitening your teeth include whitening strips, gels, or trays. You'll also want to ensure you take care of your teeth with good oral hygiene. Remember to consult a dentist before usingteeth-whitening products to determine your best option.
