A lot has been said about whitening toothpaste and how effective they are at making the teeth sparkling white. Before you go out and get a tube, however, here are 5 things you definitely want to know beforehand:
- Whitening toothpaste remove stains from the surface of the teeth, making them appear whiter. It is important to note, however, that they cannot make your teeth whiter than its natural color. Furthermore, they cannot clean stains that go deeper than the tooth surface.
- For maximum effect, whitening toothpaste have to be used twice a day for several weeks. Don’t expect to see visible results within a few days. It will take some time for the abrasives and chemicals in the toothpaste to polish the teeth and break down the stains.
- Some whitening toothpaste contains a chemical compound called blue covarine. The compound sticks to the surface of the teeth, creating the illusion that the teeth are whiter. Results appear quicker, but the whitening effect may not be long-lasting.
- All whitening toothpaste pose one risk or another. Common side effects include tooth sensitivity and minimal gum irritation.
- Abrasives are a major component in whitening toothpaste, they polish the teeth so that the chemicals can reach the stains easily. In the process of rubbing the surface stains away, however, abrasives have been known to also strip away tooth enamel. And as the enamel gets worn down, more of the dentin becomes exposed. Since the dentin is yellowish, you may end up with your teeth more discolored than when you started.
For effective, safe, and long-lasting teeth whitening, consult a professional dentist. If you don’t, you may end up causing more harm than good to your teeth.
If you live/work around Richmond, Texas, then you are in luck. Mission Bend Family Dentistry has a state-of-the-art, yet homely, facility in the area. Call 832-895-5110 now to set up an appointment.