For a brighter smile, teeth whitening toothpaste is an effective way to remove stains without harsh chemicals. Unlike most home whitening methods, whitening toothpaste does not contain bleaching agents. This makes it a safe and effective way to remove certain types of stains to make teeth cleaner and brighter. While teeth whitening toothpaste can remove discoloration caused by certain foods and habits, it cannot make your teeth unnaturally white like bleaching methods.
Teeth whitening toothpaste works the same way as another favorite tooth whitening method. Baking soda is a popular way to whiten teeth at home without harsh chemicals. The baking soda acts as an abrasive cleaner, scrubbing away stains to reveal the white enamel underneath. However, baking soda is too harsh for regular use on teeth, and can result in damaged tooth enamel after repeated use. Whitening toothpaste is created specifically for use on teeth, and uses much milder abrasives while still remaining effective. Some teeth whitening toothpaste contain baking soda in gel form, which is less abrasive than normal baking soda.
Whitening toothpaste is most effective on teeth that have been stained from dark-colored beverages, heavily pigmented foods, and tobacco use. Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine can all leave yellow stains on teeth. Chocolate and foods high in beta carotene, like carrots and sweet potatoes, can also stain teeth when consumed frequently. Habits like smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco can leave yellow or even brown stains on teeth in a very short amount of time. These stains start on the surface of the tooth, but when left untreated can sink in and become very deep and difficult to remove.
There are other ways teeth can become discolored. Too much fluoride can result in patchy-colored teeth. Certain antibiotics like tetracycline can leave a bluish-gray discoloration. After undergoing a root canal, a tooth can become darker than the surrounding teeth. These deep stains and discolorations are difficult to remove even in the dentist office, and teeth whitening toothpaste can be of limited help.
If your teeth are yellow-colored, using a teeth whitening toothpaste is a great way to return them to their original pearly white. The toothpaste works to gradually remove stains through abrasion without damaging enamel too much. Long-term use can be hard on your teeth, so you want to keep non-whitening toothpaste around too. Make sure to use plenty of paste on your toothbrush, and brush in a circular motion for two minutes.
Teeth whitening toothpaste works best when you use it on a regular basis to keep coffee and other stains from accumulating. Most whitening toothpaste specifies a certain number of days or weeks to use it before switching back to your regular toothpaste. By following the directions you will preserve your enamel while taking care of tooth stains before they become serious.
Remember that teeth whitening toothpaste does not bleach your teeth white. The toothpaste cannot make your teeth lighter than your natural tooth color. Your dentist can show you a shade chart during your next routine visit, you may find that your teeth are already naturally light-colored. To get the unnaturally white teeth seen on magazine models and actors, you will need to use a bleaching system.
