Do whitening toothpastes work?
The proliferation of toothpastes that claim to whiten teeth leads consumers to think that these whitening toothpastes are miracle cures. Truthfully, these toothpastes are not that effective at whitening the underlying tooth. They tend to remove stains so that the underlying whiteness of the tooth becomes more apparent.
It is important to note that while these toothpastes may be helpful in removing stains, some brands of whitening toothpastes can damage tooth enamel. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. Repeated use over long periods can result in damage to tooth enamel.
Use of these products should be limited to a month at a time – or alternate daily between using a whitening toothpaste and a conventional toothpaste.
Always check with your dentist before trying a new dental product.