Using whitening toothpaste is a good solution for people who are on a tight budget and are looking for an inexpensive whitening product. Of course, whitening toothpastes are not as effective as tooth bleaching, but you can achieve good results if your teeth are slightly stained.
Whitening toothpastes remove extrinsic stains caused by tobacco products, certain foods, and drinking coffee. These toothpastes include chemicals that dissolve or break down stains and abrasives that polish teeth and improve the cleaning action. The most common ingredients in whitening toothpastes are baking soda, chalk, and silica. When used on a regular basis, the toothpaste takes between 2 and 4 weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Experts recommend using the toothpaste twice a day. Like other methods of teeth whitening side effects may occur. Excessive use may damage the enamel, and whitening toothpastes are not recommended if you have sensitive teeth. It is important to buy a product that has a seal of acceptance from the ADA or another reputable dental organization. The seal of approval indicates that the product helps reduce tooth decay and removes surface stains effectively. Be wary of imposters, however. Some whitening toothpastes are imported from China and other countries and were found to contain diethylene glycol, which is a toxic substance. As long as the toothpaste you use contains fluoride, the brand you use is a matter of preference and personal choice, but make sure the product has a seal of acceptance. Then, some people prefer to use toothpastes that contain natural ingredients only.
Whitening toothpastes are much cheaper than laser teeth whitening and other in-office procedures. At the same time, this is a less effective and slower method compared to in-office bleaching, whitening strips, and over-the-counter whitening systems. This is because whitening toothpastes contain chemicals and abrasive particles but not bleach. The chemicals used remove surface stains and polish teeth, but you should not expect immediate results.
