Whitening Toothpaste: Does it Work?

​Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains.  An effective whitening toothpaste should contain peroxide, baking soda, potassium nitrate, and fluoride.  Keep in mind that it may not work for everyone.  Those with deep or intrinsic stains may need a more substantial whitening process by a dentist.

Whitening Toothpaste: Does it Work?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

With so many whitening toothpaste options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose, or you might wonder if using a whitening toothpaste is even worth it.  If you are looking for whiter teeth, there are some ingredients you should look for. 
​
Does whitening toothpaste work?
Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains from your teeth, commonly caused by food and drinks such as:

• Berries
• Coffee
• Grapes
• Red wine
• Tea
• Tomato-based sauces

While whitening toothpaste can be helpful, it may not work for everyone.  If your stains are deep (intrinsic ones), you may need professional whitening from your dentist.  Intrinsic stains cannot be removed with whitening toothpaste alone.  Intrinsic stains are caused by factors like:

• Age - with age, the outer enamel layer of your teeth begins to thin, allowing the inner layer's yellowish color to show through.  It causes your teeth to appear more yellow.
• Medications - some medications can cause tooth discoloration.  It can happen with certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and antihistamines, as well as antipsychotics.

 
What ingredients should you consider in whitening toothpaste?
When choosing a whitening toothpaste, pick one with ingredients that are proven to be effective, such as:
Carbamide or hydrogen peroxides - are the most common ingredients used to whiten teeth.  These agents work in whitening products as an acid to lift stains from your teeth.  Make sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on whitening products bought, as these products will have the proper amount of peroxide mixed in to keep your teeth as safe as possible.
Baking soda - is an abrasive ingredient in some toothpastes that helps remove surface stains.  It also shows promising results for oral health.  Baking soda may help reduce plaque and gingivitis (bleeding in and around the gums).
Fluoride - cannot whiten your teeth when used by itself, but it is beneficial when combined with other whitening ingredients.  Fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel layer of your tooth, helping to reduce tooth discoloration.  Regularly using fluoride also helps limit the sensitivity of teeth that whitening can cause.
Potassium nitrate - is an ingredient clinically proven to help reduce tooth sensitivity by releasing potassium ions into the channels leading to the nerve canal of each tooth.  These ions help to block pain signals going from your tooth to your brain.  It will help you to feel less sensitivity after whitening.
 
How often should you brush with whitening toothpastes?
Brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste twice daily for 2 minutes each time is recommended.  Overusing whitening toothpaste can lead to tooth sensitivity and the breakdown of your tooth enamel.  So, it is essential to use it as directed.  If significant sensitivity occurs, speak with your dentist about how to reduce sensitivity.  They will most likely suggest you stop whitening toothpaste until the symptoms improve.