Do Whitening Toothpastes Work | NYC Smile Design | Manhattan, New York

February 4th, 2021 | 1 min read

There are a number of ingredients that may be used in whitening toothpaste. Some, like activated charcoal, have not been sufficiently studied, making information about their efficacy and safety largely anecdotal. Others, like baking soda or peroxide, are time-tested and trusted methods of removing surface stains and are commonly used in toothpaste that claims to have whitening abilities.

Whitening toothpastes work in different ways. Some gently exfoliate stains from the surface of teeth using abrasion. Charcoal and baking soda are both examples of this type of whitening. Others, most notably peroxide, whiten teeth by breaking down darker molecules and those that do not properly reflect light, helping to restore a lighter and more beautiful appearance.

But do They Work?

Whitening toothpaste works to varying degrees. If your discoloration is all surface and mainly caused by foods and beverages, you may enjoy middling success with an abrasive toothpaste. Peroxide toothpaste may prove useful at removing deeper discoloration, to an extent, as well. However, there are no whitening toothpastes that can produce the same results as a professional tooth whitening treatment.

Whitening toothpaste may lighten teeth a few shades over the course of several months. Professional tooth whitening can lighten teeth up to ten shades in one hour. What’s more, professional tooth whitening is done under the supervision of an experienced dentist, helping to reduce risks of sensitivity while ensuring optimal results.

The Risk of Surface Whitening

Stains underneath the enamel of the teeth pose a real problem for tooth whitening toothpaste. Not only are these stains impossible to remove with toothpaste, but they can also become highlighted or accentuated when the surrounding enamel is lightened. To ensure a consistently bright and stain-free appearance, it is always best to discuss tooth whitening with a dentist and to learn about the most effective options.

We Are Here to Help

At NYC Smile Design, we are fully dedicated to helping people in and around Manhattan obtain brilliantly beautiful smiles. Please call us at 212-452-3344 or visit our website to schedule your tooth whitening consultation today. Located in Manhattan, we welcome patients from all surrounding areas of New York and New Jersey.

Topics:

Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dentist

Do Whitening Toothpastes Work | NYC Smile Design | Manhattan, New York

But do They Work?

The Risk of Surface Whitening

We Are Here to Help

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