Whiter teeth relate to a better smile and oral health. However, with time we can feel the color fading or stains undermine the lustrous shine of our teeth. Therefore, in an attempt to rejuvenate our smiles, we may try to change things up a bit. Opting for whitening toothpaste is the way forward for many individuals. However, a few doubts shrouding our minds can make that proceeding questionable. Therefore, let’s discuss how a whitening toothpaste works, best practices while choosing one, and how you can make the most out of it.
How Does A Whitening Toothpaste Works?
This special toothpaste contains the formula to remove stains and bleach the enamel. There are two types of stains, one on the tooth’s surface (extrinsic) and another that originates from within(intrinsic). A vast majority of whitening toothpaste contains abrasives such as silica and hydrogen peroxide.
Abrasives: They scrub the teeth and remove and sneaking pigments from the surface of the enamel. Hence, they can help remove extrinsic stains, but they don’t play a role in whitening your tooth.
Hydrogen Peroxide: This acts as a bleach to fade any intrinsic stains. While it is great to remove stains, it also helps whiten the appearance of the tooth.
Furthermore, some whitening toothpastes may contain a chemical blue covarine, and these molecules coat the surface of the enamel. Therefore, contributing to a whiter appearance immediately after the use. However, these don’t help with removing the stains or bleaching the enamel.
Nonetheless, to get noticeable and long-lasting results, we recommend you use whitening toothpaste twice a day for three to six weeks. You may experience an increase in tooth sensitivity at times, but it subsides after stopping the use.
Special Case: Toothpastes specially designed for smokers have a higher amount of stronger abrasives. These can help you deal with tar and nicotine stains as well as help you combat bad breath.
Best Practices While Choosing One:
Always choose those with the seal of approval from the dental association. This means that the toothpaste is safe for use. However, we also recommend you visit a dentist before opting for whitening toothpaste. Their guidance can really help you make informed and beneficial decisions.
Get The Most Out Of Your Whitening Toothpaste:
Our tooth’s greatest stainers are those foods and products we cherish the most, such as:
- Red Wine
- Dark Cola
- Tea Or Coffee
- Tomato Sauce
- Berries and Fruit Juices
- Cigarettes.
We know it’s hard to cut down these delicacies, except when it comes down to tobacco, you should try to quit it. However, you can use straws to gulp down the beverages or try to swallow them as quickly as possible. Furthermore, you can use milk with tea to restrain its teeth-staining properties. However, brushing your teeth immediately after eating such foods has the best effect.
Conclusion:
It’s great you are thinking about your teeth and trying to return them to their former glory. However, before you make changes, speak about your concerns with a dentist. You can rely on Brookshire Family Dental for all your dental needs; ring us at 281-934-1010 for inquiries.