Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Examined and Outed

Probably the most common (and cheapest) way that people whiten their teeth is through tooth whitening toothpastes.  These used to be the most expensive pastes on the market, but have recently become so common that their price is about the same as regular toothpaste.

This doesn’t not mean that the effectiveness of whitening toothpaste options has changed much, however.  While a few brands with better formulas have appeared, most are basically the same as they were a few years ago when the teeth whitening toothpaste market exploded.

What most people don’t know is that the scrubbing action of most types of tooth whitening toothpastes, thanks to added silica agents like dicalcium phosphate), are really doing most of the work.  The whitening agents are generally so mild (usually sodium tripolyphosphate or carbamide peroxide) that they do little or nothing to whiten teeth at all.

There are several reasons for the low concentrations of bleach agents in teeth whitening toothpaste.  The biggest of these reasons is tooth sensitivity and the difficulty of keeping a stable whitening formula (neutral pH/acidity levels) in the complex mix of things that make up most whitening toothpaste formulas.

The more neutral or stable the whitening bleach agent is, the better it works and the longer it lasts.  This is not an easy thing to accomplish and is the chief reason that the expensive whitening bleaches used by the dentist are usually more effective and cause less tooth sensitivity.

In tooth whitening toothpastes, though, the scrubbing action is the key to whiter teeth.  This means that the “less sensitive” formulas of regular toothpastes are not recommended most of the time.  The more scrub, the more clean, and the whiter the teeth.

This is why many regular toothpastes can be just as effective as teeth whitening toothpaste formulas.  With the prices being about the same, there’s little reason for concern between the two anymore, however, but you’ll likely experience less sensitivity with a non-whitening formula paste that has more scrubbing particles in it.

Treating Teeth Whitening Sensitivity Issues

Most of us would like a brighter, whiter smile.  For many, however, teeth whitening comes at a price: tooth sensitivity.

Whether you get your teeth whitening done at the dentist or you use an at-home method, it’s common that you experience tooth sensitivity after treatments.  There are reasons that this happens and knowing them will show you how you can be treating sensitivity issues to make for a better, less painful teeth whitening experience.

The tooth sensitivity that comes with teeth whitening is caused by your personal genetics, the stability of the bleaching process used, and the acidic reaction of the chemicals involved.  Most of the sensitivity comes from the changes made to the teeth themselves during the bleaching process.

As the figure shows, your teeth have millions of microscopic dentinal tubules, which extend from the pulp (nerve) out to the surface of your teeth.  These tubes are filled with fluid and movement of that fluid is what causes sensitivity.  Normally, minerals contained in your saliva plug the tops of these tubes (as shown), but bleaching usually dissolves those plugs, opening the tubules.

This creates tooth sensitivity as the fluids inside them moves.  Most liquids like bleach solution gels cannot penetrate into the tubules.  However, when the fluid inside them escapes and leaves a void, this void is often very painful.  Most of the time, tooth sensitivity is merely the movement of fluid as some escapes before new plugs are formed.

Some people, genetically, are more predisposed to this tooth sensitivity than others: especially fair-haired people and those with larger, thicker teeth.

The plugs dissolving are not due to the bleach itself, but the acidity of the bleach instead.  Usually, higher-quality gels and treatments will not cause much tooth sensitivity as they are formulated to be as acidically neutral as possible.  Lower-cost gels and bleaches, however, do not go through the processes required for thsi and are usually slightly alkaline or acidic.  This is the main cause of tooth sensitivity.

Desensitizing agents are commonly used in treating sensitivity and are available in toothpastes, as after-appliques for whitening, or are in the whitening gels themselves.  Finally, newer desensitizers include oxalates and HEMA-based products for restoring the plugs.

Tooth sensitivity during and after teeth whitening is not a big issue if you understand how to be treating sensitivity issues before they become painful.

Teeth Whitening vs. Teeth Bleaching

Believe it or not, teeth whitening is not the same as teeth bleaching.  While they generally have the same result (whiter teeth), they aren’t the same process.  The difference lies in what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines in “bleaching.”

Bleaching is the process of removing color from a substance.  Seems like kind of a dumb semantic difference, but it’s important in one aspect: teeth bleaching does not necessarily mean teeth get whiter, just that they have color removed.

The reason this is an important difference is because cosmetically, teeth bleaching can only remove color, but the base color of the teeth will remain.  People generally have an undertone of light brown, gray, or yellow to their teeth due to the coloration of the substrate underneath the enamel.  Coloration on that level (under the enamel) is usually called intrinsic coloring, referring to the “base” coloration of the teeth.

Usually, only the deep “intrinsic” bleaches used in a dentist’s office can really change that base color.  So most teeth bleaching will not make teeth “white” per se, but they can reduce the discoloration that makes them appear dirty.  The everyday coffee, tea, tobacco, and other stains that make most of our teeth’s discoloration can be reduced or eliminated with teeth bleaching.

For true teeth whitening, however, you’ll likely need to see a dentist and take part in a more intensive therapy to remove the discoloration.  No matter what your teeth whitening plans, you will want to get a good cleaning before you start as even teeth bleaching can only do so much for very dirty teeth.

When you are shopping for a teeth whitening solution, make sure that you look for the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA) so you know that you’re getting something that’s been approved to be safe for your teeth.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only tests over-the-counter teeth bleaching solutions to be safe for ingestion (food) as they are not considered medicines (drugs).

So be aware of what you will be using and whether it is effective and safe to use.

Bleaching, Whitening Toothpastes, and Home Whitening Kits

When you use a home whitening kit, whitening toothpaste, or other form of teeth whitening that’s sold over-the-counter, you will find certain things work and others don’t.  Beware of some “cheap” remedies sold in malls, online, and other places as they are often short-term whiteners that may have ill effects.

Before undergoing any whitening treatment, you should visit your dentist for a regular cleaning and checkup.  Most teeth whitening methods should not be used by women who are pregnant, anyone with gum disease, and in other situations.  Talk to your dentist about your plans while you’re getting your checkup so you can find out if there is a risk.

Most of types of whitening kit that you purchase from the store (over the counter) are bleach-based.  Probably hydrogen peroxide, which is basically harmless in small quantities.  This is what gives the bleaching its “sting” quality when it touches your gums or lips.  For the most part, however, so long as your gums aren’t over-exposed to the peroxide, no ill effects beyond some sensitivity will result.

These kits work fairly well for most people and many find that this is all they need for teeth whitening.  Expect to get 2-3 shades lighter after about two weeks of treatments.  For most people, this amount of teeth whitening is what they’re after and is good enough.

If you use a whitening kit, however, be aware that you should never use more than one kit in a row and should have at least a like interval (about a week) between treatments.  Read the box label before you use it and follow directions carefully.

Whitening toothpaste options abound and are extremely popular.  They are not, however, very effective.  They are better for maintenance of an existing teeth whitening treatment than they are at whitening on their own.  Great results can be had by using an over the counter whitening kit combined with whitening toothpaste, though.

Good luck with your whitening!

Teeth Whitening at the Dentist: Options and Costs

Teeth whitening is considered “cosmetic dentistry,” so be aware that most dental insurance plans probably do not cover teeth whitening as part of their normal coverage.  Teeth whitening is, however, usually one of the cheapest and shortest-term treatments dentists will do in the realm of cosmetic dentistry.

Be aware that whitening methods are all non-permanent solutions, so they will require regular maintenance and renewals to keep your teeth white.  In addition, even if you choose a home method off the pharmacy shelf, you’ll have much better results if you schedule a regular cleaning at your dentist to get the worst of the tartar and buildup off of your teeth before you begin using your whitening methods.

Most methods involve bleaching, even at the dentist.  Other in-office methods include laser treatments, long-term bleaching to treat intrinsic stains, and so forth.  Most people who visit their dentist for a teeth whitening regimen will do an in-office, deep-set or intrinsic bleaching.  This is usually in 15 or 20-minute intervals for about an hour using close-fitting plates (teeth covers) and will use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in a mix.

Laser treatments are less common and much more expensive, but have faster, longer-lasting results.  Bleaching for intrinsic (deep set) stains usually requires one to two visits to the dentist at about an hour each, but won’t show a measurable difference for at least a week or more.  Laser treatments are about twice the cost (over $1,000 in most cases) and the results are immediate.

Whether you use home teeth whitening kits or visit your dentist for one of the prescribed whitening methods, you’ll likely have sensitive teeth, possible gum irritation, and perhaps a non-universal color of teeth for a short amount of time after the treatments.

Maintaining good dental hygiene is, of course, the true secret to keeping your teeth whiter, but also maintaining a teeth whitening regimen for longer periods.  Whatever of the whitening methods you use, brushing daily and keeping your teeth clean will result in your teeth whitening lasting longer.