Can toothpaste whiten my teeth?
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American Dental Association answered:Whitening is any process that will make teeth appear whiter. The ADA advises patients to first consult with their dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment for whitening, including using whitening toothpastes. A thorough oral examination by a dentist is essential to determine if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment. This is especially important for patients with many fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains on their teeth.
Several whitening toothpastes that are available over-the-counter (OTC) have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means they have been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.Whitening is any process that will make teeth appear whiter. The ADA advises patients to first consult with their dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment for whitening, including using whitening toothpastes. A thorough oral examination... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Advanced whitening formulas in some toothpaste can remove stains from your teeth to make them appear brighter but they will not achieve the degree of whitening that a dentist can perform with a professional bleaching formula. The formulas your dentist use contain peroxide, which change the color of your teeth, unlike whitening toothpastes.Advanced whitening formulas in some toothpaste can remove stains from your teeth to make them appear brighter but they will not achieve the degree of whitening that a dentist can perform with a professional bleaching formula. The formulas your... More -
Dr. Supriya Verma answered:I was in a whitening study when I was in dental school. It was found that if the slurry mixture of the whitening toothpaste is kept in the mouth for about five minutes after brushing every day for at least two weeks then over time you can notice a very subtle difference. However, if you want to have a prominent whitening effect then an in office whitening treatment is recommended. Afterwards, use the whitening tooth paste (as stated above) for upkeep of the in-office whitening treatment.
I was in a whitening study when I was in dental school. It was found that if the slurry mixture of the whitening toothpaste is kept in the mouth for about five minutes after brushing every day for at least two weeks then over... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Toothpaste and brushing and flossing can help remove stain that is on the outside of the enamel of the teeth. Coffee and tea stains will require a professional cleaning at a dental office. Toothpastes are not very effective in changing the color of the teeth. Teeth can be whitened at a dental office. The whitening agents prescribed by the dentist lighten the pigments inside the enamel of the teeth. This process whitens the teeth.Toothpaste and brushing and flossing can help remove stain that is on the outside of the enamel of the teeth. Coffee and tea stains will require a professional cleaning at a dental office. Toothpastes are not very effective in changing the color of... More
