Limitations Of Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Posted on: 28 August 2017

Share

If you would like brighter teeth than you currently have, then you are probably wondering whether you need to set up an appointment with a cosmetic dentist or grab some over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpaste. Well, even though whitening toothpaste isn't exactly useless, they do have their limitations, which include these five:

They Work Best On Extrinsic Stains

Whitening toothpaste work best on surface stains, those that have only affected the top layer of your teeth's enamel. For example, they may help reduce teeth stains caused by tea or other staining foods. However whitening toothpaste won't help you much if you have deep seated stains such as those occasioned by dental injuries. On the other hand, a dental consultation may reveal how to whiten your teeth even if you have intrinsic stains. For example, you may be advised to go for dental bonding or veneers to cover up the stains.

May Lead To Teeth Sensitivity If Used For Long

Most whitening toothpaste doesn't actually bleach your teeth; though a few do. The majority of whitening toothpaste contains abrasives that strip away the top layer of your dental enamel. If the staining was only in this layer, then the stripping will leave the inner layer exposed so that your smile will appear brighter than it was before. Depending on the extent of the stains on your teeth, you may have to use the whitening toothpaste for a long time to see tangible results. Unfortunately, using abrasive toothpaste on a daily basis may remove too much enamel and leave your teeth hypersensitive.

The Effect Is Minimal  

Another thing with a whitening toothpaste is that its effect is only minimal. This means it may only help you if your teeth are only marginally stained. In fact, most whitening toothpaste doesn't actually whiten your teeth; they only strip away the top layer to expose the inner layer. Therefore, don't expect your teeth to be whiter than they are; whitening toothpaste only reveals the true color of your teeth.

Best Used In Combination with Other Treatments

Due to the limitations discussed above, among others, whitening toothpaste is usually used in conjunction with other whitening procedures. For example, using whitening toothpaste in addition to a bleaching agent may whiten your teeth better than using the toothpaste alone. You may not know which combination is best for your case if you don't consult a dentist, such as from Carolina Forest Family Dentistry.

Therefore, it's always best to consult the dentist if you want to whiten your teeth. The dentist will analyze your stains and diagnose their cause to help you choose the best treatment.