Oral Care 101: Can Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Damage Teeth?

There can be tons of reasons why teeth discolor. Coffees, teas, sodas, smoking, and would you believe, even spaghetti sauces can stain your teeth if you take too much of them.

Should you be concerned? If the nature of discoloration is extrinsic, meaning it occurs on the outer layer of the teeth and caused by the things you put in your mouth, that can easily be remedied by bleaching, and you don’t have to go to a dentist to have it done either. There are many products out there that you can use to whiten your teeth so you can smile with utmost confidence. But there are hidden truths to these products that you must know.

For sure you must have heard of a teeth whitening toothpaste and a toothbrush, but then you may perhaps be wondering if it’s safe to use at all. Quite a lot of whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients, and these can cause your teeth to lose its natural shine. Worse, these ingredients can damage your teeth over time. Besides, it is not that the toothpaste really whitens your teeth. What it does is to clean your teeth so that they look brighter, and even with all the abrasive ingredients, the results are not immediate. Sometimes, it can take up to six months before you can begin to see your teeth turning a shade lighter.

You probably have heard also that baking soda can whiten teeth, and all you have to do is to soak your toothbrush in cold water and dip it in baking soda, making sure that all the bristles are covered, and then brush your teeth like you normally do. Baking soda can indeed whiten teeth, but it comes with abrasive properties, too, so using it constantly can damage your teeth.

Needless to say, there are ways you can minimize the negative impact on the enamel of your teeth and maximize the positive effects of teeth whitening toothpaste. The first thing to remember always is to use a soft-bristled tooth brush. Begin your routine by brushing your teeth and gums with plain water only. Make sure to cover all areas of your mouth. Floss if necessary. Then brush again, using a whitening toothpaste this time. Allow the solution to stay in your mouth for a couple of minutes. Finally, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. You should visit the dentist regularly and have a good dental plan.

If possible, don’t make teeth whitening an option. Take care of your teeth by brushing regularly and avoiding smoking and taking in foods and drinks that can stain them.