Do Whitening Toothpastes Actually Work?

Want to have sparkling white teeth? Well, the good news is that you have lots of different options when it comes to teeth whitening in West Bend!

However, you should know that some of these options may be overblowing just how well they actually work. This is often the case with many OTC or at-home whitening products you get outside of the dentist’s office.

One common take-home product that many patients opt for is the classic whitening toothpaste. But does it actually work? Find out the answer in this short blog post!

Whitening Toothpaste Can Be Effective, But up to a Point

Whitening toothpaste can help remove some stains that make the teeth appear more yellow. Common stains are those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. It’s also worth noting that “whitening toothpaste” is a rather broad term.

These kinds of toothpaste can actually use lots of different compounds designed to help whiten the teeth. Some of the most common are:

• Some abrasives, which help polish the teeth
• Peroxide which helps break down stains

However, since it is an over-the-counter product, the amount of peroxide or abrasive gels used is quite small.

This means that while you may be able to remove some shallow stains and make your teeth whiter if you're dealing with more severe staining and discoloration, you may need to look at alternative options.

Getting Professional Tooth Whitening at the Dentist’s Office

One of the best ways to get your teeth whitened is, of course, at the dentist’s office. To this extent, you actually have 3 great options:

• Professional cleaning - A professional cleaning can help remove stubborn stains your toothpaste can’t. Many patients enjoy a much whiter smile with cleaning alone. If you only have some minor staining, a thorough cleaning using professional tools and products might be enough to enhance your smile;
• In-office cleaning - This option can offer you the best results since it’s done under the close supervision of a trained professional. Essentially, you will need to come in for a few appointments and wear a special tray that lightens your teeth until you get the desired shade;
• At-home trays - If you want a bit more convenience, your dentist can also offer at-home kits, which are different from the regular ones you can find at drug stores. Even if the treatment takes place at home, the process is still closely supervised by a trained professional to get the very best results.

Interested in Teeth-Whitening? We Can Help!

The best type of smile is the one that’s happy and healthy. If you want whiter teeth, wish to explore your cosmetic dental options, or have some oral health issues to address, Dr. Patel and Dr. Pako Major are happy to help.

Book a consultation at Oakbrook Dental online to get started.

Have more questions? Then feel free to call us at (262) 335-0822 today for a short chat.