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What You Should be Looking for in a Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Author: Shirley

Aug. 26, 2024

44 0

What You Should be Looking for in a Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

There&#;s no shortage of questions surrounding teeth whitening, especially when it comes to toothpastes claiming to do the trick. What&#;s the best teeth whitening toothpaste? How does teeth whitening toothpaste work? Will teeth whitening toothpaste cause sensitivity? Which toothpastes will give you the best teeth whitening results without damaging your teeth? Does whitening toothpaste also offer cavity protection and oral health benefits, or do I need a separate toothpaste for that? 

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With these frequently asked questions&#;and so many teeth whitening toothpaste brands available on the market&#;it can be a challenge to know what to look for when choosing the right option for you.

 

Options For Whitening Your Teeth

 

First and foremost, it&#;s important to understand that there are two ways to whiten your teeth. One is by whitening intrinsically (from the inside out). Active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which lighten deep-seated staining or yellowing on the teeth through a chemical whitening process, is how products like Opalescence Go&#; whitening and Opalescence&#; PF teeth whitening work. While there may be some toothpastes on the market containing peroxide, the key to teeth whitening is the amount of time the peroxide stays in contact with the teeth. Brushing with toothpaste containing peroxide (which all contain a very low amount of peroxide, nonetheless) for two minutes and spitting it out will show little to no benefit in whitening.

 

The other way to whiten your teeth is extrinsically, which means removing mild stains from the outer surfaces of the teeth.

Opalescence Teeth Whitening Systems product family

 

That&#;s where teeth whitening toothpaste comes in! Teeth whitening toothpastes, like the dentist-formulated Opalescence&#; Whitening Toothpaste, work by removing external stains (like minor tea, coffee, and wine stains) by gently scrubbing the surface through light, safe abrasion.

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste

 

Furthermore, because the American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day, it&#;s important to look for a toothpaste that will remove everyday staining. So, you need to be able to use it frequently and long-term.

 

Finding the Right Amount of Abrasion in a Whitening Toothpaste

 

Ideal teeth whitening toothpaste will have the proper level of abrasion to remove mild surface staining, while still being light enough in abrasion to avoid enamel scratching and damage.

 

Think of the apricot face scrubs many of us grew up washing our faces with, only to find out later that the intense abrasiveness damaged the skin. With teeth whitening toothpaste, some abrasion is good, but not too much is&#; well&#; too much.

 

For long-term everyday stain removal and brightening, your whitening toothpaste should have a medium rated relative dentin abrasionm (RDA). Toothpastes with very high RDA&#;s (the toothpaste&#;s RDA should be found on the manufacturer&#;s website) are often only indicated for short-term use. Anything past recommended use of these carries the possibility of damaging the enamel (depending on the user&#;s brushing habits).

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste features the lowest dentin abrasion rates4 when compared to other leading whitening toothpastes on the market. It&#;s safe for every day, twice-a-day use.

 

Should I Mix Charcoal or Baking Soda with My Toothpaste to Whiten My Teeth?

Activated Charcoal, a trendy, but risky DIY abrasive used by some to attempt to whiten their teeth

 

Looking beyond store-bought brands, many DIY-enthusiasts have uploaded videos and how-to guides for &#;natural&#; teeth whitening. Most of these recommend abrasive ingredients like charcoal and baking soda. In fact, as referenced in a study by the Journal of the American Dental Association, civilization has been adding various abrasives to their &#;toothpastes&#; for over a millennia:

 

&#;Ancient Greeks used a mixture of burned shells, coral, talc, salt, and honey, and ancient Romans used a blend of crushed bones and oyster shells plus powdered charcoal and bark. More recently, in the 18thcentury, reports indicated that the British included brick dust and crushed china in their tooth powder.&#;

 

Sure, some of these might seem silly. But a quick check on Pinterest shows perhaps some of us aren&#;t as evolved from Roman and Greek civilization as we thought (at least when it comes to brushing our teeth)!

 

While it would take perhaps an entire book to analyze the abrasiveness, effectiveness, and safety of every toothpaste used throughout history, we can address the most commonly seen methods touted by TikTokers, Pinterest users, and bloggers&#;and set the record straight.

Dr. Jaimee&#; Morgan&#;s employees after brushing with activated charcoal

 

Let&#;s begin with charcoal. When asked about using activated charcoal as a homemade teeth whitening ingredient (or toothpaste additive), Dr. Jaimee Morgan, DDS, says, &#;My big question is &#;why?&#; There&#;s no reputable science to show that brushing one&#;s teeth with activated charcoal is better, safer, or more effective than toothpaste. Additionally, it&#;s a widely known problem among dentists that brushing your teeth with activated charcoal a big mess, but it also likes to settle at the gingival margins. My hygienists then have to go in and scrape it out from the patient&#;s gum line. It&#;s very difficult to get out! In fact, my office manager and hygienist gave brushing with activated charcoal paste a whirl and the results weren&#;t great, to say the least. That&#;s not to mention how abrasive charcoal can be on tooth enamel.&#; Dr. Morgan is a practicing dentist and prominent dental lecturer across the country.

 

When it comes to gentle abrasives like baking soda, the senior director of formulation technology at Ultradent Products Inc., Peter Allred, says, &#;While it might be more effective than zero abrasion, a toothpaste that uses baking soda as its abrasive is going to have such a low level of abrasiveness that a frequent coffee or wine drinker will most likely still see stains accumulating on the teeth. Sure, it might be harmless, but it&#;s not going to get you the result you&#;re looking for in terms of adequate stain removal for those tougher stains.&#;

Baking soda, another popular DIY toothpaste additive or replacement

 

In fact, the particles in baking soda may seem grittier because of their rough-edged structure. But researchers like Allred played a key role in formulating Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste. They found that rounded silica particles provide more effective grit when it comes to removing surface stains with toothpaste than baking soda. While many teeth whitening toothpastes employ the use of silica particles, Allred says, &#;Our abrasive in Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste uses a combination of a unique blend of silicas that both scour (or clean) the teeth, and then polish them at the same time&#; making it a great combination (along with fluoride and other proven ingredients) for eliminating caries-inducing bacteria and stain removal.&#;

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste, which also comes in a sensitivity relief formula

 

Are Toothpastes Containing Hydrogen Peroxide Safe?

 

&#;The only substance proven to actually whiten tooth enamel color is peroxide&#;both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide,&#; says Peter Allred. Although, he&#;s quick to add some caveats (especially when it comes to toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide).

 

Allred explains, &#;For hydrogen peroxide to work, it requires concentration and a certain amount of duration of contact with the tooth. The typical hydrogen peroxide toothpaste on the market has around 1% hydrogen peroxide concentration, give or take, and that makes for simply not enough time in contact with the teeth, and not a high enough concentration to make a huge improvement. These toothpastes, along with their abrasives, may whiten the teeth slightly, but it&#;s certainly not the most effective way to whiten your teeth.&#;

 

He adds, &#;Toothpastes containing hydrogen peroxide, on a chemical level, also just don&#;t have very good stability. By the time the product gets through distribution and into the consumer&#;s hands, the hydrogen peroxide is most likely much less effective and potent (especially given the small amount that&#;s in the toothpaste to begin with). Hydrogen peroxide, especially when it comes into contact with all of the other ingredients in the toothpaste, is incredibly unstable. I wouldn&#;t be surprised if with a hydrogen peroxide toothpaste, there&#;s any hydrogen peroxide even remaining once the consumer gets to the end of the tube.&#;

 

Instead, Allred recommends a teeth whitening gel that remains in constant contact with the tooth for a therapeutic amount of time, like Ultradent&#;s Opalescence Go whitening, Opalescence PF whitening, or Opalescence&#; BOOST&#; in-office whitening, and then using Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste for daily stain maintenance.

 

Click here to purchase Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste, and click here to learn more about Opalescence Teeth Whitening Systems.

 

  1. Schemehorn BR, et al. Enamel fluoride uptake study. Indianapolis: Dental Product Testing Therametric Technologies, Indiana University Emerging Technologies Center. .

  2. Schemehorn BR, et al. Relative dentin abrasion test on dentifrices. Indianapolis: Dental Product Testing Therametric Technologies, Indiana University Emerging Technologies Center. .

  3. Browning WD, Myers M, Downey M, Pohjola RM, Brackett WW. Report on low sensitivity whiteners. J Dent Res. 85(Spec Iss A):, (www.dentalresearch.org).

  4. Schemehorn BR. Relative dentin abrasion test on dentifrices. Data on file.

  5. * Not a registered trademark of Ultradent Products, Inc.

  • ** If sensitivity persists after four weeks of use, consult your dentist.

8 Best Teeth Whitening Products

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here&#;s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

For more information, please visit teeth whitening factory.

Read more about our vetting process.

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We reviewed some of the best teeth whitening strips, toothpastes, and pens from brands like Crest, Sensodyne, and Philips.

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How we chose the best teeth whitening products

The products on this list come from trusted, transparent companies with solid track records for manufacturing quality and reliability.

We chose products with ingredients that are safe as well as effective. We read scores of customer reviews to gauge issues, such as whitening speed and oral comfort. We took product taste and texture into account. We also kept an eye on the price.

Each product on our list has passed our strict vetting standards.

Price guide

The products on this list are priced as follows:

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10&#;$25
  • $$$ = over $25

How to choose a teeth whitening product

If you&#;re looking for the right type of product to whiten your teeth, there are a few important questions to ask yourself, including:

  • How stained are my teeth?
  • Do I have existing dental work, such as crowns or veneers?
  • How sensitive are my teeth?
  • What&#;s my budget?
  • How fast does the product work?

Many whitening products can become uncomfortable for teeth over time. For maximum results with whitening strips, you&#;ll need to use the entire box, so gauge your sensitivity level before buying.

Whitening products won&#;t work on veneers and other types of dental work. If you have these, talk with your dentist about the best whitening solution for you.

If you have deep stains, look for a product that removes intrinsic and extrinsic (surface) stains.

If budget is an issue, keep your eye on the manufacturer&#;s website for coupons and promotions. These come up more frequently than you might expect.

Types of teeth whitening products

There are many teeth whitening products you can try. While many don&#;t have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, they may still be safe and effective.

Whitening mouthwashes

These may be a good option for people with tooth sensitivity. Many whitening mouthwashes contain the same active ingredient as whitening strips &#; hydrogen peroxide. It may take 3 months to see a whitening effect from mouthwashes or rinses.

Pros

  • good for sensitive teeth
  • won&#;t harm gums or oral tissue
  • budget-friendly way to whiten teeth

Cons

  • may take several months before you see results
  • only removes surface stains
  • can be used by multiple people within the household

Teeth whitening gels

Teeth whitening gels contain the same active ingredients as whitening strips. They&#;re available in several forms, including:

  • Pre-filled trays: You leave these in your mouth for 30 minutes or longer, based on your level of tooth sensitivity.
  • Brush-on gels: These are different from tooth paint. Tooth paint, which is applied on each tooth with a brush, doesn&#;t contain whitening ingredients. Tooth paint coats teeth, covering up stains, but it doesn&#;t remove them. Brush-on gels contain ingredients designed to lighten teeth.
  • Teeth whitening pens: These pens are designed for on-the-go use.

Pros

  • pens are easily transportable for use while traveling
  • available in multiple forms
  • easy to find in stores and online

Cons

  • don&#;t whiten as well as strips
  • pre-filled trays can be uncomfortable to use
  • may be uncomfortable for sensitive teeth and gums

LED whitening kits

LED on its own doesn&#;t whiten teeth. When LED is added to a whitening kit, it accelerates the whitening process by speeding up the chemical reactions produced by whiteners like hydrogen peroxide.

Whitening kits that use LED may be harsh or damaging to teeth if they&#;re used too often or for too long.

Pros

  • results vary, but many people report whiter teeth after using LED kits than from other at-home whitening products
  • less expensive than professional whitening
  • does not require the use of UV radiation

Cons

  • overuse can damage teeth
  • tooth and gum sensitivity are common
  • when used incorrectly, the whitening agent can burn the tongue or gums during treatment

Teeth whitening strips

Whitening strips contain a thin layer of hydrogen peroxide or another active ingredient, adhered to a pliable, plastic strip. The active ingredients in whitening strips vary, but many use carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

Whitening strips bleach surface stains. They also penetrate tooth enamel and dentin to remove intrinsic stains from deep within the tooth. If not used correctly, they can be harmful to your teeth.

Keep the following in mind when using whitening strips:

  • Avoid any products that use chlorine dioxide as the active ingredient.
  • Don&#;t use products for longer or more often than directed.

Pros

  • easy to use
  • less expensive than in-office dental procedures

Cons

  • can cause tooth and gum sensitivity

Whitening toothpastes

In order to use whitening toothpaste effectively, brush your teeth at least twice a day for around 2 minutes. Whitening toothpastes usually contain abrasives that work to scrub off surface stains. They also may contain active ingredients that lighten teeth by several shades.

Keep in mind that whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that might increase tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Using a soft bristle brush may help lessen these effects for some people.

Make sure to use proper brushing techniques, such as keeping your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to gums and using short strokes about the width of a tooth.

It&#;s also important to be patient. Whitening toothpastes can be very effective, but they don&#;t work quickly.

Pros

  • easy to use daily
  • one of the most affordable options

Cons

  • take longer to work
  • can lead to tooth sensitivity

How teeth get stained

Your teeth can have both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains are caused by things in your environment that come into contact with your teeth. These include foods and drinks that contain tannins (such as red wine), beer, coffee, and tea. Colas and cigarette smoke also cause extrinsic stains to occur.

Intrinsic stains occur inside the tooth and can be seen on the outside. This type of staining can be caused by certain types of medications or illnesses. Aging, trauma to the tooth, and infections can also cause intrinsic staining to occur.

Intrinsic stains can also be caused by overexposure to fluoride when teeth are developing in childhood.

Luckily, there are many products that remove stains from teeth, giving you a brighter smile.

Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening products

How do teeth whitening products work?

Most whitening products rely on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. These substances work by penetrating tooth enamel to reach the inner layer of dentin. Within the dentin layer, they oxidize and lighten stains by breaking down the deeply-pigmented molecules that make teeth look darker.

Light therapy in whitening kits doesn&#;t add whitening power. Rather, it quickens oxidation, so you get more dramatic results in a shorter period of time.

Are teeth whitening products safe?

When used as directed, teeth whitening products from trusted manufacturers, such as the ones on this list, are considered safe for teeth and gums. It&#;s possible to overuse whitening strips, however. This practice may make whitening strips less safe for tooth enamel, and irritating to gums.

How often should I use teeth whitening products?

It&#;s important to follow the directions provided for use. Some white strips should only be used twice a year. Others are gentle enough to use monthly. If your teeth become sensitive or your gums get irritated, stop using the whitening product, at least temporarily.

Can teeth whitening products fix yellow teeth?

The cause, extent, and severity of staining are all important variables to consider. Whitening products can reduce a significant amount of yellowing on teeth but may not be enough for everyone.

If your teeth are very yellow or strongly discolored, talk with your dentist about viable solutions that will be best for you. These may include whitening products or professional treatments.

How long does teeth whitening last?

How long whitening will last depends on the product. Some whitening strips can keep teeth white for 6 months or longer. You may have less dramatic results with whitening toothpastes.

The takeaway

Yellow or stained teeth can be made significantly whiter with the use of OTC products. These products include teeth whitening strips and whitening toothpaste.

Teeth whitening products are typically safe to use, as long as you follow package directions. There are even options for people with highly sensitive teeth.

It&#;s important to note that teeth whitening products aren&#;t meant for use by children. It may also be wise to consult with your dentist before using whitening products as some ingredients in these products can be harmful to your teeth.

Want more information on coconut oil whitening strips? Feel free to contact us.

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