Can whitening toothpaste harm your tooth enamel?

Toothpastes can be effective for tooth whitening and come in two types: those containing abrasive elements, and those that have bleaching ingredients. Abrasive types can harm enamel, while bleaching toothpastes won’t won’t work on crowns or fillings. 

Types of whitening toothpaste

1. Abrasive: Good for surface stains. Can damage enamel if used incorrectly
2. Bleaching: Good for deeper (intrinsic) stains. Won’t work on porcelain (crowns) or fillings

Abrasive whitening toothpastes work best for surface-level teeth cleaning, scrubbing away stains resulting from things like coffee, tea and wine. It is generally safe to use only for a certain amount of time. Exceeding the recommended time frame can result in harm to your tooth enamel. If you choose this method of whitening, be sure to follow the instructions for the product you’re using to avoid damaging your enamel.

Teeth naturally darken as we age, which makes bleaching an attractive option to whiten your smile. However it only works on natural teeth. Crowns, which are usually made out of porcelain, and fillings, won’t be affected. Your best bet when considering bleaching is to work with your dentist to find out if it’s a good option for your teeth and so they can monitor the process to ensure your teeth are whitening correctly.

In conclusion, whitening toothpastes are generally safe to use and are readily available but there are concerns to be aware of when using them for optimal dental health. Remember not to fall prey to the thinking that more is better when it comes to whitening toothpaste with abrasive elements. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the safest results. If you prefer to go the bleaching route, ask your dentist if it will work with your teeth and if so, initiate the whitening process with them so they can follow along to ensure all of your teeth are whitening evenly.

Riverside Heights Dental offers professional teeth cleaning services. Find out if your teeth are good candidates for whitening. Book an appointment with us today. 604-584-2535