-p-500.png)
If you want to restore your smile and treat stained or yellowed teeth on a budget in Jackson, Hartford or Germantown, you may be considering tooth whitening toothpaste. But how does whitening toothpaste work, and is it really effective?
There are actually two common types of whitening toothpaste available. Learn more about them and get answers to all of your questions in this blog from Jackson Family Dentistry!
Almost all types of toothpaste have at least some abrasive material. These abrasives work similarly to sandpaper. They help clean and polish your teeth, and remove plaque and surface stains.
Some types of whitening toothpaste are formulated with a lot more of these abrasive materials, which helps them rub away some surface stains from your teeth. These abrasives, like silica and baking soda, are rough enough to wear the stains away, but they do not damage your teeth, so they are both safe and effective for minor teeth whitening.
This is not true of all types of abrasive toothpaste, though. Charcoal toothpaste, for example, has not been approved by the ADA, and some types of charcoal toothpastes may have rough abrasives that are hard enough to rub away and permanently damage your enamel.
Whenever you’re shopping for toothpaste, make sure you choose only products that have the ADA seal of approval. This ensures that they have been tested properly and are safe for your teeth.
For a deeper level of whitening, you may want to choose a whitening toothpaste with a chemical whitener, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These are the same chemicals used in professional grade whitening products, though they are usually used in a much lower concentration in toothpaste.
This type of toothpaste can remove deeper stains, compared to an abrasive whitening toothpaste. The peroxide can break the chemical bonds of the surface stains and bleach them away, restoring the natural color of your enamel. They don’t just remove surface stains, but can actually whiten the surface of the teeth.
However, make sure you pick only an ADA-approved toothpaste, and follow the instructions on the label closely. Most types of whitening toothpaste are not meant to be used every day, so you must be sure to use them properly to avoid teeth and gum sensitivity.
If you have only very mild stains on your teeth, an abrasive or chemical whitening toothpaste may be enough to remove them and restore your smile. But if you have deep stains, these products may not be enough to restore your smile.
If that’s the case, your best option is to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Pako Major at Jackson Family Dentistry. Dr. Major can discuss your options for restoring your smile, including professional teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and more. Call us now at (262) 677-3003 to get started, and to find out if teeth whitening in Jackson is right for you.