Whiter Teeth ‘Off The Shelf’? The Truth about Whitening Toothpastes

26 / 07 / 2017

Whiter Teeth ‘Off The Shelf’? The Truth about Whitening Toothpastes

A Closer Look At The Promises Of Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

You will probably have noticed an increasing number of advertisements on TV for teeth whitening toothpaste and this is probably a good indication that people are looking to have a more attractive smile these days.

The question though, is how much difference these kinds of toothpaste can really make?

The opinion of our dentists at the Lighthouse Dental Practice in Ipswich is that, whilst these kinds of toothpaste will do no harm, patients will possibly be disappointed by the end result.

Minimal effect

The reality is that toothpaste is restricted by health and safety laws as to the amount of the active whitening ingredient that is allowed within them. Given that the whitening ingredient is a form of bleach, it is hardly surprising that common household items such as this need to be safe from the prying eyes, and mouths, of young children especially.

Because the amount of whitening agent allowed is very small, it is unrealistic for patients to expect to see great improvements in the whiteness of their teeth, although very small improvements may be noticed by some. Generally, we would only suggest these kinds of toothpaste for anyone who has recently had a teeth whitening procedure and wishes to maintain the whiteness for a little longer, or for people whose teeth are naturally already quite white.

Teeth whitening procedure

If you really want to see a significant improvement in the whiteness of your teeth, this should be left to the professionals; so please do not attempt any DIY teeth whitening from advice found on the internet! Many of these contain acids such as lemon juice and will only serve to strip the enamel layer from your teeth, exposing them to a greater risk of decay. Our cosmetic dentists will be pleased to discuss how we can whiten your teeth in a safe and effective manner and, unlike tooth whitening toothpaste, you really will be able to see a big difference in a short period of time.

While now illegal, it is worth mentioning that there are still some ‘rogue’ teeth whitening outlets around. Under no circumstances at all should you use these. They are potentially very dangerous and may cause irreparable damage to your teeth and gums. If you do become aware of one of these in the Ipswich area, please report them to the appropriate authorities so that action can be taken to prevent harm to other patients.

Affordable teeth whitening

Having your teeth whitened is one of the most noticeable things that you can do to really give your smile a boost. In addition to that, it is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures available. If you are interested in seeing how much nicer your smile could be with whiter teeth, please call the Lighthouse Dental Practice on 01473 257379.

We are here to help you.
If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team about any of the issues in this article please visit our contact page or call us on 01473 257379.