Do whitening toothpastes really work?

Do whitening toothpastes really work?

Are your teeth looking dull and discoloured? If so, you may be considering trying a whitening toothpaste to brighten your smile. But do whitening toothpastes actually work? Today our Surrey and Langley dentists share some effective ways to whiten your teeth.

Our teeth naturally darken as we age, but many of the foods and beverages we consume also cause our teeth to become stained and discoloured. If you are unhappy about the way your teeth look, you may be considering giving a whitening toothpaste a try.  

Whitening Toothpastes

In order to whiten teeth, products must contain hydrogen peroxide. Many whitening toothpastes do in fact include hydrogen peroxide in their list of ingredients. However, the amount of hydrogen peroxide found in many whitening toothpastes tends to be too low to be effective, which means that whitening toothpastes may not whiten teeth any better than regular toothpastes.

That said, it's important to note that many whitening toothpastes also contain mildly abrasive ingredients. These ingredients can be effective at removing stains and making teeth appear whiter. 

Oral Hygiene

To keep your smile bright and healthy, a strong oral hygiene routine is essential. Taking the time to brush thoroughly twice daily (with any toothpaste you like), floss regularly, and visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year, will help to you to prevent tartar buildup and remove stains. 

Tartar is an unpleasant hard yellowish substance that can build up on teeth as a result of a poor oral hygiene. Tartar doesn't only make your teeth look yellow, it can also lead to some serious dental health issues. If you want a bright and healthy smile, preventing tartar buildup is important.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the colour of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Professional whitening typically involves 3 steps:

  • Visiting your dentist to be fitted for your custom whitening trays;
  • Returning to your dentist to pickup your trays, professional whitening solution, and instructions;
  • Using the whitening system at home over the course of several days. 

To find out more about how to improve the overall appearance of your smile, contact our Surrey or Langley dental office today.