“Are whitening toothpastes bad for the teeth?”
I have been using whitening toothpastes for the last 3 months. But, I recently read an article that said whitening toothpastes do not protect the teeth and the gums. Is this true? Could I be harming my teeth by using whitening toothpastes?
15 Answers
Hello,
Whitening tooth pastes are like regular tooth pastes with the addition of some kind of peroxide in it. The peroxide is what whitens teeth and the regular tooth paste which has some type of fluoride in it (99% of them do) is what protects your teeth. However neither flouride nor peroxide is used protect the gums. The amount of peroxide in toothpaste has to be low enough to not harm the gums. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Whitening tooth pastes are like regular tooth pastes with the addition of some kind of peroxide in it. The peroxide is what whitens teeth and the regular tooth paste which has some type of fluoride in it (99% of them do) is what protects your teeth. However neither flouride nor peroxide is used protect the gums. The amount of peroxide in toothpaste has to be low enough to not harm the gums. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
There are a number of tooth pastes on the market that have whitening agents in them. These tooth pastes are buffered and may contain a mild abrasive to remove stain. There are other whitening systems that have some whitening agents in them. If they are sold over-the-counter or bought on the internet, there is a far less percentage of whitening agents. The federal government sets the limits. Many people have gum inflammation. People don't floss and brush correctly. Their gums are inflamed or infected. If you use these whitening agents, your
gums can get irritated and you will be be uncomfortable for several days. Everyone has known someone who tried whitening without having your mouth checked for gum inflammation. There are family members who have used whitening systems given to family members who had their teeth whitened in the dental office. Tooth whitening toothpastes probably are okay. If you feel that your mouth is being irritated from the toothpaste, stop using it. The whitening gels should be kept separate. Toothpastes with whitening agents in them are different from the over-the-counter whitening gels. While shopping, items are often not put back. Toothpastes with whitening agents are probably safe, as long as you don't allergies to any of the ingredients.
gums can get irritated and you will be be uncomfortable for several days. Everyone has known someone who tried whitening without having your mouth checked for gum inflammation. There are family members who have used whitening systems given to family members who had their teeth whitened in the dental office. Tooth whitening toothpastes probably are okay. If you feel that your mouth is being irritated from the toothpaste, stop using it. The whitening gels should be kept separate. Toothpastes with whitening agents in them are different from the over-the-counter whitening gels. While shopping, items are often not put back. Toothpastes with whitening agents are probably safe, as long as you don't allergies to any of the ingredients.
Be sure the toothpaste has been approved by the American Dental Association. However if you are using the whitening toothpaste to whiten your teeth, you will have a long wait as they work so slowly. You would be better having a dentist whiten your teeth professionally. It isn't overly expensive and usually works fast with great results.
There are some whitening toothpastes that do not, however, in general this is not true. The mai factor here is that you are brushing and flossing, and if done so appropriately you will not have an issue. Certain whitening toothpastes rely on abrasives to remove stain. These can be harmful if used in excess.
If the toothpaste says that it prevents cavities, then it is beneficial.
No. Use a whitening toothpaste with fluoride.
Let's differentiate between the use of whitening toothpaste which only provides additional pumice as an abrasive to remove stubborn stains as opposed to intraoral ultraviolet lights and special acids two more vigorously whiten the teeth with Professional Care and strategic timing of the actual exposure. Excessive use of this method is not responsible for a good outcome as you can over do it like anything else. Do not think if a little bit is good a whole lot is better. Hygienist are particularly guilty of overuse in their own mouth of these procedures as they are readily available as professionals to them. This can weaken the enamel and make the teeth highly sensitive.
It doesn’t harm the teeth. Other methods of whitening are best.
Whitening toothpastes should be safe as long as they don't contain any abrasives. Any sort of abrasives should be avoided.
Hello and thank you for submitting your question,
Whitening toothpaste does not protect the teeth and they can appear to whiten teeth slightly by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. However, whitening toothpastes can't change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth's surface.
For a toothpaste be able to protect the teeth needs to have fluoride, when you use a fluoride toothpaste, you are strengthening your tooth enamel and this prevents tooth decay. So, in my opinion, whitening toothpaste does not protect the teeth.
Whitening toothpaste does not protect the teeth and they can appear to whiten teeth slightly by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. However, whitening toothpastes can't change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth's surface.
For a toothpaste be able to protect the teeth needs to have fluoride, when you use a fluoride toothpaste, you are strengthening your tooth enamel and this prevents tooth decay. So, in my opinion, whitening toothpaste does not protect the teeth.
Richard J. Staller
Dentist
There are many brands available. Some of them even have fluoride. They should be fine to use.
There are no problems with most over the counter whitening toothpaste. Some patients have been know to experience some tooth sensitivity. This will stop once you cease using the toothpaste.
Amy G. David
Dentist
As long as you are using a toothpaste with fluoride you are good. Whitening toothpastes do not harm your teeth, but they can increase sensitivity significantly.
Most whitening toothpastes have higher abrasive formulation and this helps to remove stains from teeth that is caused by the food and drinks that we consume. Some will also have some formulation to help with whitening of teeth. This does not help with actual whitening of teeth as effectively as professional whitening gels. Whitening toothpaste is great at maintaining the whiteness of teeth once it has whitened but it is not effective at whitening teeth.
YES - they don't whiten tooth enamel and are THE number ONE cause of tooth sensitivity.
