We all want to look good, feel great and have a lovely smile. It’s at the center of our identity and contributes a huge amount to our self-confidence and feeling of wellbeing. So it’s no surprise that tooth whitening is one of the most common procedures we undertake here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry.
As keeping our smile bright is still at the top of our agenda, we thought we would take a look at whitening toothpastes. There are hundreds on the market, all promising whiter, brighter teeth. All of them command a premium over standard toothpastes, but are they worth it?
What stains teeth?
Our teeth are protected by layers of enamel, that hard outer layer that we brush every day. Products such as tea, coffee, wine and cigarettes stain this outer layer and even the most energetic brushing doesn’t always get rid of it.
Under enamel is dentin, which also discolors over time. As we get older, dentin yellows naturally. It can also be discolored by some medications or from using products with too much fluoride in them.
How whitening toothpastes work
Whitening toothpastes often include abrasives designed to remove stains on the enamel. As you brush, the abrasive element forces the stain off the teeth, making the enamel look cleaner and whiter.
Some toothpastes will also include a whitening element that will both remove stains and try to prevent further staining. They include carbamide peroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate, which remove stains and polyvinylpyrrolidone which seeks to prevent further staining.
Many toothpastes use enzymes such as papain, Triclosan, citric acid, sodium tripolyphosphate and blue covarine to counteract the yellow color.
So are they worth using?
Whitening toothpastes can only affect the outer layer of enamel, so they are only ever partially effective. Much depends on the brand and the composition of the toothpaste itself. Not all whitening toothpastes work as well as others and few can truly whiten teeth.
However, used in conjunction with dental tooth whitening, they can help your teeth stay whiter for longer. Those compounds in the toothpaste that helps protect tooth enamel and prevent stains from reappearing will equally help you retain that lovely white smile for longer.
So rather than use a whitening toothpaste instead of a whitening procedure at your dentist’s, they are more effective used to keep your teeth white after a whitening procedure.
Whitening toothpastes can be a useful part of your overall dental health regimen. As long as the toothpaste in question does everything standard toothpaste can as well as whitens, there is no reason why you shouldn’t use it.
If you have specific requirements or would like advice on toothpaste products, and live in Denville, Dover, Morristown, Morris Plains, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry for free consultation! we’re here to help!
– See more at: https://aestheticfamilydentistry.com/blog/are-teeth-whitening-toothpastes-worth-the-money/#sthash.DOEOK3c5.dpuf
