Everyone’s teeth are different. White and bright is the ideal, but in reality, a lot of people have gray, yellowish, or even brown teeth.
Teeth that are discolored are often attributable to bad habits or poor oral health. If your teeth has surface stains, you can try using a whitening toothpaste to enhance your teeth’s appearance. However, they cannot alter your natural tooth color. If your teeth’s discoloration runs deeper, consult your dentist in Dallas, TX – she can give you other options which can bring about the changes you are after.
What is in a whitening toothpaste?
Regular toothpastes are designed to help remove surface stains as they clean teeth. Whitening toothpastes help by removing even more surface stains. Whitening toothpastes can be used at least twice a day. However, don’t expect immediate results! If you want to see the best results, you need to consistently use a whitening toothpaste for two to six weeks.
Whitening toothpastes yield results through chemicals that break down stains and abrasives that polish teeth. Common ingredients include:
- Calcium carbonate
- Hydrated aluminum oxide
- Magnesium carbonate
Some contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide which also helps with tooth whitening. Some ingredients may yield results faster than the others, but ultimately, they deliver the same overall degree of whitening over a period of 2 weeks.
Some important considerations
When looking for a whitening toothpaste, be sure that you choose a safe product. Check for the American Dental Association seal of acceptance. Products that have this seal have been subjected to a thorough evaluation before passing the efficacy and safety standards. Being part of the ADA program is not mandatory, however, it demonstrates the brand’s commitment to reliability and quality.
It is also important to note that while you may use a product with the ADA seal, no whitening or bleaching product is devoid from risks. Some report mild irritation of the gums or tooth sensitivity.
Understand too, that whitening products rely heavily on abrasives to give results, and while they may successfully remove surface stains, they may also remove some of the protective enamel of your tooth.
Professional alternatives
The most effective route would be to consult your dentist and ask about professionally applied products, as these would give you quicker and more noticeable results.
Tooth whiteners may not remedy all kinds of discoloration, so it’s best to consult with your Dallas dentist about your options. Used correctly, whitening toothpastes can effectively remove surface stains. But if you want to achieve a longer-lasting and deeper white, it’s best to talk to your dentist to find a satisfying solution.
