
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste – Tips and Top Picks
Whitening toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that is specifically formulated to remove plaque and improve the appearance of teeth. These kinds of toothpaste typically contain mild abrasives, enzymes, or chemicals that break down and remove stains caused by food, drink, and other factors such as age and specific prescriptions. While regular toothpaste can clean your teeth and help prevent tooth decay, whitening toothpaste targets surface discoloration and promote a brighter, more attractive smile.
Several types of tooth staining may occur; some are extrinsic, which means they are on the tooth’s surface, and others are intrinsic, which means they are inside the tooth.
Extrinsic stains are caused by various factors, such as consuming foods and drinks and poor oral hygiene practices. Intrinsic stains are caused by aging, and whitening toothpaste is mainly effective in removing extrinsic stains.
Things to look for in toothpaste:
Ingredients
When looking for whitening toothpaste, it is essential to consider the ingredients and the effectiveness of the toothpaste in removing stains and brightening teeth. One of the most common ingredients in whitening toothpaste is hydrated silica, a mild abrasive that helps remove surface stains. Other ingredients that may be found in whitening kinds of toothpaste include baking soda, enzymes, and peroxides. Baking soda is a natural whitening agent that removes dirt and makes the teeth shinier. Enzymes, such as papain, can help to break down and remove surface stains. Peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, can also help to remove surface stains and brighten teeth.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
Another important consideration when choosing whitening toothpaste is the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This seal indicates that the toothpaste has been evaluated by the ADA and has been found to be safe and effective for removing surface stains and brightening teeth. Therefore, checking for the ADA seal of acceptance is essential because it ensures that the toothpaste has been clinically tested and found to be safe for daily use.