It’s no secret that everyone wants a bright, white smile. Even more so this time of year. Think about those holiday cards and the many parties to attend; you want your smile shining as bright as the new fallen snow. There are many products to help you to get a brighter smile. A common option is to simply switch your toothpaste.
How Whitening Toothpastes Work
Whitening toothpastes have two main goals:
1. Polish teeth
2. Remove surface stains
A special abrasive is used to give the teeth a nice polish. All types of toothpaste will have an abrasive, but whitening toothpastes use abrasives with a little extra something. And to really give your teeth a nice glow, these toothpastes have chemical agents that break down and dissolve stains.
Whitening Toothpaste vs Other Products
Whitening toothpastes are the least aggressive of all the teeth whitening strategies. This is because they are missing one key ingredient: bleach. Whitening products that you get from professionals or even over the counter contain bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to take the whitening to a deeper level. Whitening toothpastes can’t scratch below the surface, but products containing bleach can.
CAN’s and CAN’Ts of Whitening Toothpaste
- CAN remove surface stains
- CAN’T remove stains deep within the tooth
- CAN polish your teeth
- CAN’T replace a professional dental cleaning
- CAN reduce yellowing
- CAN’T change the natural color of your teeth
- CAN be used as your long term toothpaste
- CAN’T provide instant results
Choosing a Toothpaste
There are multiple brands that offer whitening toothpastes. They all offer their own promises, but most have similar ingredients. The best piece of advice I can offer you is to look for the American Dental Association stamp of approval. A trusted and approved product is your best bet. If you are still unsure which product is right for you, turn to your dentist for advice.
At Eagle Rock Dental Care we know how important it is to not only have a healthy smile, but a white & bright one as well. Contact us if you have any teeth whitening concerns; we are happy to help. Not only that, but we offer a numerous amount of whitening options that can be used at home or in office. Request your appointment online today and lets get you closer to that white smile you’ve always dreamed of.
