Are Whitening Toothpastes Bad for Your Teeth?

Everybody wants a dazzling smile, and whitening toothpastes have long advertised themselves as an easy, economical means of achieving this goal. But are they ultimately bad for your tooth enamel? Recently, there’s been some debate — even among dentists - as to whether long-term use of whitening toothpaste is detrimental to the integrity of your teeth. Although we want you to read this blog post, we’ll cut to the chase with our position on the issue: Whitening toothpastes can be used safely, as long as you monitor for tooth sensitivity.

However, this is an important question with a few angles to consider - which is why we at NK Family Dental want you to keep reading!

How Whitening Toothpastes Work

There are two types of stains that cause your teeth to be dull or discolored - extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are on the tooth enamel. They are caused by the consumption of certain foods and beverages - such as red wine, teas, dark fruits, etc. - and tobacco use. Intrinsic stains result from internal tooth coloration from the dentin, which is the hard tissue inside the tooth. Intrinsic stains can be caused by aging, genetic disorders, or antibiotic use - such as tetracycline - during childhood.

Conventional whitening toothpaste contains abrasives and bleaching agents such as silica, pyrophosphates, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove the extrinsic stains, thereby lightening the tooth color.

Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical blue covarine, which adheres to the surface of the teeth and creates an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less yellow. When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste can take from two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpastes that contain blue covarine can have an immediate effect.

Possible Risks of Using Whitening Toothpastes

As mentioned earlier, whitening toothpaste is generally safe when used according to label directions or as advised by your dentist. But there are other factors to consider. Those who have intrinsic stains can damage their enamel through overly vigorous brushing, believing that if they brush hard enough and use the maximum strength whitening toothpaste they’ll succeed in lightening the shade of their teeth.

Adults ages 50 years and over who are starting to notice yellowing often assume their enamel is discolored, when in fact the yellowed dentin is showing through because tooth enamel is wearing off. Using a whitening toothpaste can further erode the already-thin remaining enamel - thereby making the problem even worse.

According to Dr. Ryan Reeves of Beyond Exceptional Dentistry, the gradual wearing away of enamel is the primary culprit of yellowish teeth in people who are middle-age-plus.

“The enamel is worn away by eating, acid from bacteria, and even by brushing. This thinner enamel is not only less white - it shows more of the yellowy dentin beneath - it’s less smooth, so it doesn’t have the same luster that a more youthful smile does.”

For this reason, we encourage consulting with your dentist before using a whitening toothpaste - especially if you’re an older adult. If you schedule regular twice yearly examinations and cleanings, this is the ideal opportunity for you to bring up concerns about the color of your teeth, and ask your dentist if using a whitening toothpaste is an appropriate treatment. For those with intrinsic stains - which not even a professional in-office teeth whitening treatment can remove - your dentist may recommend composite bonding, veneers or dental crowns as a long-lasting cosmetic solution that will give you the bright smile you want.

Moreover, according to health, “The peroxide in whitening toothpaste can lead to teeth sensitivity. High peroxide content has been linked to instances of tooth sensitivity. Other problems caused by whitening toothpaste may include circumoral dermatitis (inflamed skin around your mouth) and mucosal irritation (irritation of the mucus membranes in your mouth).”

Also be aware that research has found that whitening toothpaste can minimize the enamel's mineral content, resulting in rough teeth surfaces and low levels of tooth hardness. Brushing too hard or using a very hard bristle toothbrush can exacerbate potential enamel damage - which can happen with any type of toothpaste. Make sure you use the correct amount of pressure when brushing, and select a toothbrush with the proper bristle hardness.

Activated charcoal toothpaste for whitening teeth has been gaining a good amount of popularity through social media. This is one type of whitening toothpaste we advise against using. Although activated charcoal toothpaste may help remove surface stains, clinical studies of the efficacy (effectiveness) of such toothpastes are lacking, so no one can yet definitively claim that charcoal toothpaste whitens or cleans your teeth better than any other toothpaste. In addition, the widespread belief that charcoal toothpaste “detoxifies” your mouth is more pseudoscience than science. 

Moreover, our blog post - “Should You Use Charcoal Toothpaste?” - lists and explains the downsides of such toothpastes, which include the following:

Precautions for Using Whitening Toothpastes

As mentioned earlier, developing tooth sensitivity can result from long-term use of whitening toothpastes. Major toothpaste brands offer whitening toothpastes in several different formulations, which can make the selection process confusing. Those containing a high level of hydrogen peroxide will work faster. However, most whitening toothpastes don’t disclose their percentage of hydrogen peroxide.

Whichever brand/formulation you choose, follow label instructions for use, and do not use longer than recommended - if such a recommendation is provided. Be aware if your teeth become sensitive. If so, discontinue use. If your teeth are already sensitive, there are brands formulated to whiten sensitive teeth.

The Take-Home Message

Whitening toothpastes can be effective in removing surface stains from tooth enamel. However, a twice-yearly cleaning by your dentist will do the same, while also polishing your teeth. Whitening toothpastes could be useful if you regularly consume foods and beverages that stain teeth - but as with all things, moderation is key.

Because major toothpaste brands offer several formulations for whitening toothpaste, making an informed choice about the type best for you may be difficult. Rather than relying on marketing hype, ask your dentist if you could benefit from a whitening toothpaste - and if so, which type of formulation is most suitable. Use as directed, and discontinue use if your teeth become sensitive to temperature and/or hurt during brushing and flossing. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to confirm that sensitivity is the cause of discomfort, as it could be a symptom of a more serious condition.

The best way that your natural teeth can achieve their whitest shade possible is an in-office or take-home professional whitening procedure performed by your dentist. NK Family Dental is proud to offer Zoom and Opalescence teeth whitening treatments. Each of these excellent, proven treatments is administered by different means. We will recommend the treatment best suited to your situation and aesthetic goals based upon your consultation.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon! 

What To Look For In A Toothpaste

Does the toothpaste aisle in your supermarket seem daunting to you? Not only are numerous brands available, but toothpaste (known in the dental profession as dentifrices) is formulated to serve a wide variety of needs. Some promote their whitening ability, others are intended to prevent tartar build-up, and so on. But which type is right for you? We’ll cut to the chase and advise that you ask your dentist, who is familiar with your oral health history and specific issues that can make your teeth and gums more susceptible to decay or periodontal disease. Your dentist will be able to recommend the best toothpaste type for your particular situation.

However, if we left it there, this would be the shortest blog post in history! Your dentist should be the one to steer you in the right direction, but as an informed consumer, it’s to your advantage to know about the different types of toothpaste and what they do. You may be surprised to learn that a toothpaste formulated to help in one area may cause problems in another! For example, an article for Dental Choice points out that using a whitening toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth can increase sensitivity because of the stronger ingredients used to lighten stains.

Before we look at the main categories of toothpastes for specialized needs, make sure that the toothpaste you choose has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This ensures that it has been tested and ensured by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, which means the claims are confirmed and the ingredients are safe and effective.

Fluoride Toothpaste – Popular with Dentists and Patients for Cavity Prevention

Toothpastes containing fluoride are frequently recommended by dentists for protection against tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that’s used in most toothpaste brands to help harden tooth enamel, thereby strengthening teeth. Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body – harder even than bones – steady exposure to foods and beverages with a high sugar content causes bacteria to produce acids that slowly eat away at tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities. Toothpastes that contain fluoride help in enamel remineralization to reverse this effect.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most toothpaste sold in the United States contains fluoride in the form of sodium fluoride or monofluorophosphate, most commonly at a level of 1,000 to 1,100 mg/L (about 1.3 mg in a quarter teaspoon, a typical amount of toothpaste used for one brushing).

Why You May Need Prescription Fluoride Toothpaste

Your dentist may recommend a fluoride toothpaste that’s available by prescription only. Prescription fluoride toothpaste contains a higher concentration of fluoride (5000 parts per million), which is the maximum strength. It’s typically prescribed for patients whose teeth are especially susceptible to cavities – as in the case of weak enamel due to being prescribed tetracycline in childhood – or after periodontal surgery that exposes the roots of the teeth.

Prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste is beneficial and safe when used as directed. A prescription is required to prevent accidental ingestion by children – as well as indiscriminate use by adults, which can lead to a condition called fluorosis, characterized by staining, pitting and/or surface irregularities of tooth enamel. So if your enamel is already strong, using a toothpaste containing a higher amount of fluoride won’t make your teeth even stronger – it could cause issues, which is why it’s sold by prescription only instead of over-the-counter.

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth – a Common Condition

If you watch TV for any length of time, you’ll see commercials promoting toothpaste that relieves tooth sensitivity. While some of these ads seem somewhat overly dramatic, sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and food can negatively impact your enjoyment of meals, snacks, and beverages. After all, you want to savor your cup of coffee, not dread the feeling of your teeth figuratively screaming in pain! Symptoms of sensitive teeth can range from a mild twinge to considerable discomfort. Pain can come and go and may be worse on some occasions than others.

According to Mayo Clinic, sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. “Sometimes, however, tooth discomfort is caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease.” So while TV commercials portray sensitive teeth as a common condition, you need to consult with your dentist to learn if a serious condition is causing sensitivity, rather than assuming the right toothpaste will take care of it. If your dentist rules out a major issue, a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can relieve discomfort when used twice daily. Use on a regular basis for at least one month to start experiencing results.

Benefits of Tartar Control Toothpaste

Tartar (calculus) is bacterial plaque that has hardened. Once tartar has formed, the only way to remove it is to visit your dental hygienist. Tartar control toothpastes include tartar-fighting ingredients such as zinc citrate or pyrophosphates that prevent plaque from hardening. Toothpastes containing multiple anti-plaque agents have been proven to be even more effective than those with only one plaque fighter.

Regular brushing and flossing – as well as cleanings during your twice-yearly dental examinations – will prevent a buildup of tartar that can lead to periodontal disease. Our blog post – “What is Periodontal Gum Disease?” – covers this topic in detail.

What You Need to Know About Whitening Toothpastes

Everyone wants a bright, white smile! Tooth whitening toothpastes seem to offer a fast road to success, but it’s important to know just what can be achieved. Writing for Mayo Clinic, Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S., provides the following observations:

“Whitening toothpaste can appear to whiten teeth slightly by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. However, whitening toothpastes can't change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth's surface. To remove surface stains, whitening toothpaste typically includes special abrasives that gently polish the teeth, and peroxide or other chemicals that help break down or dissolve stains.

“Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical blue covarine, which adheres to the surface of the teeth and creates an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less yellow. When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste can take from two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpastes that contain blue covarine can have an immediate effect. Although whitening toothpastes are typically designed to maximize cleaning and minimize wear on tooth enamel, be careful to follow manufacturer recommendations.”

As mentioned earlier, whitening toothpaste can increase the sensitivity of sensitive teeth. There are toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth that promote whitening by natural ingredients, such as charcoal derived from coconuts. This could be a solution to discuss with your dentist.

Whitening toothpastes are effective for the circumstances covered above, but those who have deeper stains should consult their dentist about in-office or take-home professional whitening procedures. NK Family Dental is proud to offer Zoom and Opalescence teeth whitening treatments. Each of these excellent, proven treatments is administered by different means. We will recommend the treatment best suited to your situation and aesthetic goals based upon your consultation.

The Take-Home Message

There’s a wide array of toothpastes on store shelves, each offering different benefits. To make matters more confusing, each brand has various varieties, based upon the benefit it’s formulated to deliver. Rather than feeling you have to go it alone in making this important decision, talk to your trusted partner in oral health – your dentist!

Our team of experienced, dedicated dental professionals will help address your oral health concerns, and determine the best solution for you based upon your individual situation. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs.

We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.

At NK Family Dental, it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services. Our practice is trusted for advanced oral surgery procedures and comfortable root canal treatment.

Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan, our endodontist, Dr. Sabek, and our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh. Dr. Danesh is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. He has contributed to the publication of two books, as well as published over 20 papers in prestigious dental research journals.

We serve the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, and Wicker Park with the dedication that’s earned us the reputation as the Best Dentist in Chicago!

Schedule your visit through ZocDoc, or contact us directly. We look forward to treating you soon!