Whitening Toothpaste for Your Tooth Stain
There are many different brands and types of toothpaste out there. We usually choose one based on how it tastes or the cost of a 3 pack. Well, most whitening toothpaste can scrub away tooth stain, it should. I am often asked whether the ones that say they will whiten your teeth actually work. The answer is yes and no.
Whitening Your Teeth – Dr. Lisa Germain Explanation
Let me explain what it means to whiten your teeth. Strictly speaking, and for the purpose of deciding which toothpaste to buy, “whitening” your teeth refers to restoring your teeth back to their normal color. As we age, that color darkens. This has more to do with the fact that the enamel which is the lighter outer layer (enamel) of our teeth wears away and the darker internal layer (dentin) begins to show through. But in addition to that we will accumulate tooth stain from foods and drinks, as well as tobacco to name a few contributors. The three worst are red wine, coffee and cigarettes. Tea stains come in at a close fourth.
Whitening Toothpastes and Tooth Bleaching – The Difference
“Whitening” toothpastes are merely intended to remove those external tooth stains. They contain mild abrasives that polish the tooth surface. They will not make your teeth whiter than your normal color. They will not make them as white as they once were. They will bring your teeth back to their current baseline shade. On the other hand, tooth “bleaching” is designed to make your teeth a whiter color. The confusion lies in the fact that the two terms are often used interchangeably and loosely by both products. Many companies that offer products that actually bleach teeth are using the term whitening because it sounds better to the average consumer. The American Dental Association will certify toothpaste, mouthwash and gum as tooth “whitening” if it is able to remove the surface tooth stain.
In my next several blog posts, I will explain the different types of systems available to actually “bleach” your teeth.
Until then keep smiling, and please subscribe to get my latest posts sent to you directly!