Is Whitening Toothpaste Bad For Your Teeth?

Would you love to have whiter teeth?  Most people would, so whitening toothpaste seems like the easiest way to get them.  But is whitening toothpaste bad and is it permanently damaging your teeth?

Is Whitening Toothpaste Safe?

Whitening toothpaste is a popular choice for many consumers. Whitening toothpaste claims to remove surface stains on teeth and help people achieve the brighter smile they desire. However, many people are concerned about the safety of whitening toothpaste due to their bleaching agents.

It is important to note that whitening toothpaste generally contains safe ingredients in low concentrations and is therefore considered safe for everyday use. Many products include sodium bicarbonate, an abrasive ingredient used to scrub away plaque and surface stains from teeth. These ingredients are similar or identical to those found in other types of regular toothpaste, so there should be no cause for alarm when purchasing a whitening product. Additionally, most products have fluoride, which helps strengthen your teeth’ enamel while protecting against cavities and decay.

Benefits of Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is popular among those looking for a brighter and whiter smile. It can offer many benefits that traditional toothpaste cannot, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to improve the appearance of their teeth.

This type of toothpaste uses various natural ingredients to help remove stains and discoloration from the teeth while providing additional protection against future discoloration. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasives such as silica, hydrated silica, or calcium carbonate, which help scrub away surface stains and plaque. Additionally, they often contain ingredients such as baking soda or peroxide which can help break down deeper stains on the surface of your teeth. Along with removing existing discoloration, whitening toothpaste contains ingredients like fluoride that can help strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities and decay.

Potential Risks of Teeth Whitening Products

Teeth whitening products are becoming increasingly popular as people strive to have a brighter, whiter smile. While it can be tempting to purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening kits and strips, there are potential risks associated with using these products that should be considered before doing so.

The active ingredients in many teeth-whitening products are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, both of which can cause tooth sensitivity. In some cases, continued use of these products may damage the enamel around the teeth. Additionally, if not used properly, they could result in an uneven coloration between your natural teeth and those treated with the product.

Natural Alternatives to Whitening Toothpaste

When whitening teeth, many people turn to toothpaste containing harsh chemicals. But there are natural alternatives available that can help keep your pearly whites shining without resorting to abrasive and potentially harmful products.

These natural alternatives typically contain baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, eating certain foods, and charcoal. Baking soda is an effective way to remove plaque and stains while balancing the pH in the mouth. Hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria while eliminating surface stains on the teeth. Essential oils have antibacterial properties that help prevent plaque buildup and freshen your breath naturally. Charcoal helps absorb toxins from the oral cavity, leaving you with a clean and fresh feeling after brushing.

Tips for Safely Whitening Teeth

A bright and beautiful smile is something everyone wants to achieve, but it’s important to take the necessary steps for safely whitening your teeth. There are many methods available that can help you obtain whiter teeth. However, it’s crucial to understand how each method works and the safety tips associated with them. Here are some tips on how to safely whiten your teeth.

First and foremost, it is best to consult a dentist before beginning any dental procedure. This will help ensure that you understand which treatments are safe for you, as well as provide an assessment of which type of whitening product will work best in your particular case.

Why Does Whitening Toothpaste Damage Your Teeth?

Whitening toothpaste removes extrinsic staining, which is stains on the outside of your teeth caused by tea, coffee, smoking, etc.  It cannot change the natural color of the teeth.  Many of these toothpastes are abrasive and contain tiny particles that remove this staining by scratching the surface of your enamel.  By scratching away the stained layer of the tooth, the un-stained layer below makes your teeth appear whiter.  But overuse can remove the natural shine of your teeth, and once this enamel has been removed, it does not grow back.  Over time, loss of enamel can lead to tooth decay.

Are There Any Bad Side Effects Of Whitening Toothpaste?

Teeth can become very sensitive with the use of harsh whitening toothpastes.  As the enamel gets thinner, the dentine becomes more exposed.  Dentine is the layer of the tooth under the enamel, and it contains lots of tiny tubes (like pores) that run straight through to the nerve in the middle of the tooth.  When these tubes become exposed, they can respond to hot and cold temperatures, which may be painful.  Sensitive toothpaste works by plugging these tubes up so you don’t feel any pain, but whitening toothpaste does the opposite and opens them up, leaving you prone to sensitivity.

I Still Want Whiter Teeth; How Can I Minimize The Damage?

If you can’t bear to give up your whitening toothpaste, there are still ways that you can minimize any permanent damage.  Only use gentle whitening toothpaste and a soft or very soft-bristled toothbrush to limit the abrasiveness of the toothpaste.  Don’t use whitening toothpaste every time you brush, instead of alternate with regular toothpaste.  Use toothpaste containing fluoride, as this can help strengthen the enamel.  Visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth checked and cleaned.  And remember, any staining that your dentist or hygienist can do a whitening toothpaste removes.  Your dentist can also recommend other ways for you to whiten your teeth.