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Whitening toothpastes are effective for removing surface stains from the teeth, but they can’t change the natural tooth colour. Those who have noticeable stains from soda, coffee, or cigarettes can expect visible changes with regular use of a quality whitening toothpaste. However, if your discoloration runs deeper, there are other whitening products that can better bring about the changes you’re after.
Understanding the active ingredients used for tooth whitening as well as the differences between various products will help you choose the treatment that best meets your needs.
Immediate Appearance of Whitening
If you’re dealing with day-to-day surface stains from yellowing beverages or other lifestyle habits, a whitening toothpaste can help you scrub away this discoloration before it becomes a permanent part of your smile. However, this typically takes between two and six weeks of regular use. If you want a whiter appearance with the first application, you can achieve this through something of an optical illusion.
Look for a whitening toothpaste that contains blue covarine. This chemical diminishes the yellow appearance on the surface of the tooth. The result is immediately perceptible, though not as long-lasting as other methods of tooth whitening. It’s best to combine the optical properties of blue covarine with other approaches to tooth-whitening.
Long-Term Whitening Results
Whitening toothpastes are designed for regular application at least twice a day. For the best results, users must brush daily with these products for several weeks. Products that don’t contain blue covarine can still yield impressive results. However, it’s important for users to understand that the whitening isn’t usually visible after the very first brushing.
Whitening toothpastes achieve long-term results through a combination of abrasives that polish the teeth and chemicals that break down stains. Common abrasives found in whitening toothpastes include:
- Hydrated aluminum oxide
- Calcium carbonate
- Magnesium carbonate
These toothpastes may also contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which help whiten teeth. Carbamide peroxide works faster, but these ingredients bring about the same overall degree of colour change over a period of two weeks.
Important Product Considerations
When you’re shopping for a whitening toothpaste, it’s important to make sure you select a safe product. Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Products that sport this seal have undergone a thorough evaluation, demonstrating both their safety and efficacy. Participation in the ADA Seal program is voluntary but is an excellent demonstration of the manufacturer’s commitment to quality and reliability.
While the ADA Seal of Acceptance does identify products that are safer, it’s important to understand that no bleaching or whitening product is without risks. The most common issue with whitening toothpastes and other similar products is mild irritation of the gums and mouth. You may also experience increased tooth sensitivity.
It’s important to note that whitening toothpastes rely heavily on abrasives for their results, and while these abrasives can effectively scrub away surface stains, they may also remove some of the tooth enamel. As the enamel wears away, you will see more of the dentin beneath, which is often discoloured. In the manufacturer’s clinical trial, Arm & Hammer Advanced Whitening whitened teeth for 39 percent of users. However, 25 percent were left with darker teeth, demonstrating the potential risks inherent in these products.
Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products
Whitening toothpastes are not the same as over-the-counter tooth-whitening bleaches. Though many toothpastes contain a bleaching ingredient, it’s washed away fairly quickly in this form. For the best results, bleaches must stay in contact with the teeth for an extended period, as they do with a whitening strip or tray.
If you want to go beyond removing surface stains on the teeth and focus instead on lightening the overall color, a tooth bleaching product or kit is a more effective choice than a toothpaste. These products usually require regular applications for two to four weeks.
Professional Whitening Alternatives
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is to speak with your dentist about professionally applied products. These have a higher concentration of the active bleaching ingredient and produce more noticeable results. While an over-the-counter bleaching kit will typically contain 10 percent carbamide peroxide, a professional application can have a hydrogen peroxide concentration ranging from 25 to 40 percent. A protective gel or other agent is used on the gums to prevent irritation with these strong treatments.
Professional tooth whitening treatments are also much quicker than other alternatives. Most dentists will complete this treatment in about an hour, saving you weeks of repetitive applications.
If you’re looking for whiter teeth, whitening toothpastes may prove to be an effective solution when used correctly to treat surface stains. However, if you want to get beneath the enamel and achieve a deeper and longer-lasting white, you should consider alternative products. Ultimately, speaking with a dentist is the best way to address any concerns regarding the colour of your teeth and find a satisfying solution.
FAQs
Whitening toothpaste is great for minor stains and for maintaining a bright smile. But if you have heavy stains due to tobacco use, frequently drinking coffee, tea, or wine, or due to any other issue, whitening toothpaste alone may not be enough. Professional help from a cosmetic dentist may be required.
How effective are whitening toothpastes? ›
Whitening toothpastes are effective for removing surface stains from the teeth, but they can't change the natural tooth colour. Those who have noticeable stains from soda, coffee, or cigarettes can expect visible changes with regular use of a quality whitening toothpaste.
Do dentists recommend whitening toothpaste? ›
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.
How effective is dental teeth whitening? ›
The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dental team for their opinion before you start the treatment.
How effective are teeth whitening products? ›
Some OTC whitening products (e.g., toothpastes, chewing gums) are effective primarily in removing extrinsic (surface) stains on enamel, and will not have a significant impact on intrinsic stains or the intrinsic color of the tooth.
Can yellow teeth turn white again? ›
Yes, most stains can easily be lifted from the teeth with professional whitening treatments. The strength of our treatments help patients transform their smile to a dazzling white! It is important to note that internal stains are more difficult to remove.
Does whitening toothpaste replace normal toothpaste? ›
Daily cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of stains which make your teeth noticeably darker. However, while whitening toothpastes can resolve minor damage and some dark surface stains, they are not able to reach far enough into the enamel to eradicate deeper stains.
What is the #1 recommended whitening toothpaste? ›
Colgate Optic White
This toothpaste is commonly recommended as the best whitening toothpaste due to its unique formulation. It contains 2% hydrogen peroxide, an active ingredient known for its bleaching ability. This makes it highly effective at removing surface stains on teeth, resulting in brighter and whiter teeth.
Why is my whitening toothpaste not working? ›
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
Is Colgate or Crest better for whitening? ›
Both Crest and Colgate offer effective teeth whitening toothpaste options, but the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your dental health, sensitivity levels, and the specific benefits you are looking for in a whitening toothpaste.
For long-lasting results, experts recommend a whitening treatment in your dentist's office, followed by monthly over-the-counter treatments for maintenance. But this may not be right for everyone.
Does vaseline whiten teeth? ›
3) Vaseline
According to many people, Vaseline and toothpaste can help to keep your teeth clean and white. This involves brushing your teeth thoroughly and then applying a thin layer of Vaseline (or any brand of petroleum jelly) on the exposed surfaces of your teeth.
What is the most effective teeth whitening? ›
If you're looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you're hoping to whiten tooth enamel. You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth, she notes.
Does whitening toothpaste actually work? ›
Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth. And according to a recent survey by Consumer's Union, the best toothpaste for removing stains was one of the cheapest on the market.
What actually works to whiten teeth? ›
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
When you mix these two together, you'll create a paste-like substance. Brush your teeth with this mixture for an excellent and natural way to whiten your teeth.
What is the success rate of teeth whitening? ›
Generally, whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking.
Why are my teeth still yellow after using whitening toothpaste? ›
Whitening strips, toothpastes, and mouthwashes can only affect surface enamel and thus only get surface-level stains out. Additionally, many over-the-counter whitening treatments do not offer even results, and patients end up with patchy teeth.
Does leaving whitening toothpaste on your teeth make them whiter? ›
Whitening toothpaste may remove surface stains but leaving the paste on longer will not get your teeth whiter. Some whitening toothpaste is abrasive and scratches tooth enamel. Professional teeth bleaching gel contains carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or both.
How many days does it take to whiten teeth with toothpaste? ›
Teeth should appear whiter in about 10-14 days if used as directed. Using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste can work to brighten your smile, but the results may be less noticeable and it can take some time – usually about two to six weeks – if used twice a day.
