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.

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!