You already know the benefits of brushing your teeth twice daily. While keeping your natural teeth and gums healthy is the primary purpose, you may also be considering using a whitening toothpaste to brighten up your smile.
There’s no doubt that whiter teeth can lead to a more confident smile. Seniors, moms, dads, and even teenagers can benefit from keeping that smile intact. But what is the best way to go about it?
Instead of starting with bleaching treatments either at home or in your dentist’s chair, a whitening toothpaste may be the best place for you to start. Begin by knowing how these types of toothpaste work to remove yellowing and stains, then use them to brighten up that smile.
How Does a Whitening Toothpaste Work?
So, just how does whitening toothpaste work? Answering this will help you decide whether or not to use one and, if so, how it will work on your teeth. Not all toothpastes may contain the same ingredients, so choosing one you can trust will be the first step in the process. Below are the top informative things you need to know.
Whitening Toothpaste Contains Mild Abrasives to Remove Stains
The majority of whitening toothpaste options available today contain a substance that is a mild abrasive to remove stains. Examples of these abrasive substances include:
- Baking Soda
- Silica
- Dicalcium Phosphate
The key to these substances is that they are formulated in a way that renders them softer than your tooth enamel. This is important so as not to wear down or damage the enamel of your teeth in the process of brushing.
Essentially, the mild abrasive works by combining its gritty components with the paste or gel. As you brush, it removes plaque and buffs surface stains away.
Be sure to always look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval to know the toothpaste is safe. Many options are well-suited for children as well as seniors who are experiencing yellowing due to aging.
Whitening Toothpastes May Contain Peroxide
To increase the whitening capabilities of a toothpaste, many these days include peroxide (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) in addition to the abrasive substance. The amount is small and works to bleach the surface layer of your teeth.
Often found in professional whitening treatments, peroxides break down the bonds holding the stains in place on your teeth. This, in turn, causes a bleaching or removal of those stains and restores the natural enamel coloring.
How Often Should You Use Teeth Whitening Toothpaste?
You want to avoid overusing your whitening toothpaste in hopes that the highest level of whitening will occur faster. This is a slow process, and it takes time to achieve your goal, so you’ll need to be patient.
While many toothpastes are designed to be used every day, others are only recommended for brushing once a day or another regular schedule.
Read all directions, recommendations, and treatment plans provided with your toothpaste to know how often to use it.
Also, before beginning with a whitening toothpaste, confirm that it is ADA-approved. This increases its safety and lowers the risk of damaging your teeth.
The repeated use of a teeth whitening toothpaste while following the usage instructions that come with it can successfully reverse or remove the yellowing and embarrassing stains.
Its use can also be beneficial following a professional whitening treatment to help maintain the brightening results.
On a side note, much depends on your overall tooth and gum health. If you have oral sensitivities and/or exposed root surfaces from processes like recession, you may want to discuss your whitening method with your dentist first. The ingredients in certain products may end up making your teeth more sensitive and possibly need to be avoided.
When to Consider Professional Whitening Treatments Instead
In some instances, over-the-counter whitening toothpastes will not achieve the results you desire. Severe yellowing through the years, or excessive staining, are tough to remove and may require a higher level of assistance. This is where professional whitening treatments can help.
One option is to start with professional treatments and follow them up with the use of a whitening toothpaste. This is beneficial in that it will achieve a brighter smile more quickly than with the toothpaste alone.
Professional whitening techniques and treatments are offered as both in-office and take-home methods. Speak with your dentist to determine which is right for you.
Whether you’re a senior looking to combat the yellowing of teeth that comes with aging, an adult regretting all those coffee stains, or a young adult wishing to reverse the effects of sugary foods and drinks, a whitening toothpaste is a good place to start.
Contact Us to Get Started on a Whiter, Brighter Smile Today
Are you ready to whiten those teeth and brighten your smile? Are you curious about what whitening options are available? Smile Hilliard can help. We use the latest technology and proven methods to help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.
Whatever your family’s dental needs may be, we are here for you. Our Hilliard, Ohio office sees patients Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or visit our website to connect with us there.
