Can whitening toothpaste harm your teeth?

Did you know many of the things people use every day cause tooth staining. Some foods and beverages, as well as smoking cause the teeth to become discoloured or yellowed. In response, some people turn to teeth whitening solutions like whitening toothpastes to bring back their bright white smiles. But how safe are these products? Can they harm your teeth?

The Risks of Abrasive Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes tend to contain abrasives. The idea is that these abrasive particles will help to scrub the stains off your teeth. The problem is that tooth enamel can also be scrubbed away or thinned. This increases tooth sensitivity and leads to more discoloration because the dentin underneath the enamel is more yellow than white.

The Benefits of Enzyme-based Whitening Toothpastes

Some whitening toothpastes contain enzymes that help reduce stains. These need to be used for several weeks and stopped if irritation occurs. They’re generally safe and effective and the whitening effect tends to last longer than whitening toothpastes containing just abrasives.

Consulting a Dentist for Safe and Effective Teeth Whitening

Whitening toothpastes, when used correctly, can help whiten teeth that have surface-level staining. However, because discolouration can come from within the tooth, the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is to consult a dentist. A professional assessment will determine  the underlying cause of discolouration and the best approach to deal with it. For instance, tooth whitening isn’t suitable for some forms of dental work so the presence of crowns, fillings, dentures needs to be taken into consideration.

Learn More About Teeth Whitening

Contact your favourite Surrey BC Dentistat Riverside Heights Dental to find out more about teeth whitening.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has also provided some guidelines and information on their website for those interested in tooth bleaching as a form of whitening.