Are you looking for a practical and easy teeth whitening solution? Then it’s time to consider a whitening toothpaste! If you already brush your teeth twice a day (we hope you do), this involves minimal to no change in your routine. All you have to do is to understand the pros and cons, and decide if this is the best solution for you. Brush your way to whiter teeth while keeping the teeth strong and healthy!
On this post:
- Whitening toothpaste: pros and cons
- What is whitening toothpaste?
- How does tooth whitening toothpaste work?
- What are the benefits of using a whitening toothpaste?
- What are the disadvantages of using whitening toothpaste?
- How to use a whitening toothpaste
- Our top 5 favorite whitening toothpastes
Whitening toothpaste: pros and cons
Before bringing a whitening toothpaste into your life, let’s find out together what the pros and cons are. Your teeth need you to make an informed decision!
What is whitening toothpaste?
A whitening toothpaste is a paste or gel that, besides removing plaque and food residue from your teeth and gums, also eliminates superficial stains on your teeth. By removing extrinsic stains from your teeth, it leaves your teeth looking whiter.
How does tooth whitening toothpaste work?
In order to provide you with the lightening results you’re expecting, whitening toothpaste features abrasives and bleaching agents. The most common abrasive ingredients would be silica, while the bleaching agents you’ll find the most are pyrophosphates, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide.
Abrasive agents work by scrubbing the stains out of your teeth while bleaching agents will lighten your teeth thanks to a chemical reaction. All of the options are proficient in fighting against visible stains of your enamel; yet, bleaching ingredients are the ones that promise a result that lasts longer in time.
What are the benefits of using a whitening toothpaste?
If you’re looking for a fuss-free solution to whitening your teeth, the whitening toothpaste is a no-brainer. You already brush your teeth twice (or three times!) a day—so, by changing to a whitening toothpaste, you’d need zero changes in your routine to get the results you expect.
Whitening toothpaste is easy to use and, since most people don’t ever forget to wash their teeth, the treatment adherence is solid. Equally important, whitening toothpastes offer a progressive result, which is a plus when compared to other whitening treatments. You can monitor the results day after day, and stop (or reduce) the use of the whitening paste when you see the result that you like. In short, whitening toothpaste eliminates the risk of finding yourself with excessively white-looking teeth!
What are the disadvantages of using whitening toothpaste?
The abrasive and bleaching agents that allow the whitening results are known to be potentially sensitizing to the teeth, especially with continued use. Overusing whitening toothpaste can also irritate the gums, especially for those who combine whitening toothpaste with hard or medium brush bristles. Keep in mind that, with these kind of toothpaste or any other, you should brush your teeth gently, without too much pressure. When an abrasive toothpaste formula meets a coercive teethbrush user, the conditions for a bad side effect are there! It’s easy to spot a violent toothbrush user in the wild: you just need to look at the shape of the bristles of the toothbrush. If they mysteriously bend and open over time, losing their original shape, then it has been used with excessive… energy.
How to use a whitening toothpaste
For the best results, we need to know exactly how to incorporate the key product into your daily routine. The right technique with the perfect product are all you need to have whiter teeth!
How should I use a whitening toothpaste?
You should use a whitening toothpaste in the same way you’ve been using your regular one. Apply a pea-sized amount of product on the brush, and brush your teeth no shorter than two minutes. With whitening toothpaste is particularly important to have a light hand when brushing. If you can, opt for a soft bristle brush to make sure that’s not too harsh on the enamel or the gums. Make sure to use it according to the brands’ directions; some recommend using it once, others twice a day.
Is it OK to use whitening toothpaste every day?
To have visible results, you’ll need to use it for several weeks straight. Whether you need to stop using it at some point depends on the formula you choose. Some formulas are designed to be used once or twice a day for a finite number of weeks, while others can be used every day. More than reading the recommendations, you should also be alert to the signs of your teeth and gum. If you find your teeth and gums more sensitive than usual, it may be a good idea to give a break on the whitening treatment.
Long story short, some formulas are for everyday use, while others are for shorter periods. In any case, your teeth may decide, at any point, that’s time to stop!
Our top 5 favorite whitening toothpastes
From theory to more objective recommendations, here you’ll find a short list of five of our favorite whitening toothpastes. You can count on them to revolutionize your smile!
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Perfection Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste
Charcoal power for whiter teeth
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Perfection Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste
Combining the power of an Active Mineral Complex together with charcoal, you’ll get this impressive formula that eliminates for good up to 100% of teeth surface stains. At the same time, this toothpaste removes stains and strengthens your enamel while also delivering a refreshing peppermint flavor. To get the results that you’re dreaming about, use it at least twice a day!
Oral-B Pro-Expert Sensitive & Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Gentle whitening for sensitive teeth
Oral-B Pro-Expert Sensitive & Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Here’s the perfect balance between complete tooth care and whitening! Specially designed to care for sensitivity, this toothpaste counts with gentle micro-beads and proven 360º protection to prevent and care for cavities, plaque, and receding gums while whitening the teeth. It suits even the most sensitive teeth, creating a sugar shield that lasts up to 24 hours!
Elgydium Whitening Toothpaste
Whiter & brighter teeth
Elgydium Whitening Toothpaste
This mint-flavored formula, suitable for teenagers and adults, cares for your teeth all the while removing superficial teeth discoloration. If you’re looking for a toothpaste to eliminate superficial stains caused by food, drinks, or smoking, here’s your answer! Staring micro-pulverized sodium bicarbonate, each use contributes to visible whiter teeth.
Parodontax Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening care soft on sensitive gums
Parodontax Whitening Toothpaste
If only thinking about a whitening care flares up your gum sensitivity, then take a look at this one! Parodontax, an expert brand in gum health, offers this solution that’s easy on the gums and brave against superficial teeth stains. While preventing bleeding gums, it also strengthens the teeth and deeply cleanses, keeping the oral cavity fresh and clean.
Sensodyne Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Sensodyne Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Being a reference in the sensitive teeth department, Sensodyne has many interesting solutions for those with sensitive teeth and a strong desire for whiter teeth. This formula, for example, in addition to gently removing undesired stains, is clinically proven to protect from tooth sensitivity as long as you use it twice a day.
For more on oral care, make sure to read our post on mouthwashes. It’s certainly a great way of boosting your teeth health!
