Whitening toothpaste: Does it whiten teeth? - Mayo Clinic

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Does whitening toothpaste actually whiten teeth

Answer From Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S. 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 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. If you're considering using a whitening toothpaste, look for a brand that has a seal of approval from a reputable dental organization - such as the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This seal indicates that the toothpaste is safe and effective at removing surface stains. If you're not satisfied with the effect of whitening toothpaste, ask your dentist or dental hygienist about other tooth-whitening options - such as over-the-counter or professional bleaching products. Results from these products are more predictable because they stay in contact with the tooth surface longer. These products are more expensive, but the extra cost may be worth it if you want better results than are achieved with whitening toothpastes. Some of these products can make your teeth sensitive, but this symptom is reversed by stopping use. With Thomas J. Salinas, D.D.S. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

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When to brush your teeth ShareTweet Feb. 24, 2021 Show references Oral health topics. Whitening. American Dental Association https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/whitening. Accessed Feb. 26, 2019. Casado BGS. Efficacy of dental bleaching with whitening dentifrices: A systematic review. International Journal of Dentistry. 2018;2018:7868531. Soeteman GD, et al. Whitening dentifrice and tooth surface discoloration - A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Dental Hygiene. 2018;16:24. Tao D, et al. Tooth whitening evaluation of blue covarine containing toothpastes. Journal of Dentistry. 2017;67:S20. Mark AM. Getting whiter teeth. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2017;148:280. Salinas TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 24, 2019. See more Expert Answers

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