Do Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Really Work

For years, dentists an teeth experts have argued about the effectiveness of teeth whitening toothpastes. There has been much debate because to understand the effectiveness of a teeth whitening toothpaste, one must first understand the cause of discolored teeth. There are two ways in which teeth can become discolored; either from stains on the surface of the teeth, or from discoloration of the dentin inside teeth.

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Teeth whitening toothpastes work by using gentle abrasive materials to remove stains on the surface of the teeth. These toothpastes will only remove stains and not stop the cause of the stains. There are some toothpastes that are too abrasive and can remove the enamel from your teeth, leading to teeth sensitivity. By thinning the enamel, teeth whitening toothpastes can actually cause more discoloration of your teeth if the discoloration is caused by the dentin. This is because thinner enamel will make the yellowing dentin more apparent.

When manufacturers claim that their teeth whitening toothpastes are effective in whitening teeth, they are correct. However, these toothpastes are effective by removing the surface stains on the teeth and not by removing the discoloration of the teeth's dentin. It is important that you remember this, but also that you remember that these toothpastes can make your teeth appear yellower if yo have discolored dentin. This can also lead to an increased sensitivity inside of the teeth.

When consulting a dentist, they will often recommend that you use newer brands of teeth whitening toothpastes, as these generally contain less harsh abrasives and they usually use different methods for removing the stains from your teeth.