If you're unhappy with the overall appearance of your smile, you may be considering trying a whitening toothpaste to brighten your teeth. But do whitening toothpastes really whiten teeth? Our Richmond dentists share some effective ways to brighten your smile.
While our teeth naturally darken as we age, many of the foods and beverages we consume also cause our teeth to become discoloured or stained. With all of the different whitening toothpastes available at your local store, you may be wondering whether it's worth giving one a try, but do they work?
Can whitening toothpaste brighten my smile?
To whiten teeth, any whitening treatment must contain hydrogen peroxide. Many brands of whitening toothpastes do in fact list hydrogen peroxide as one of their ingredients. However, the amount of hydrogen peroxide found in many whitening toothpastes is often be too low to be effective, which means that whitening toothpastes may not actually whiten teeth any better than regular toothpastes.
That said, when it comes to removing stains and making teeth appear whiter, many whitening toothpastes also include abrasive ingredients which can help to improve the look of teeth.
Can brushing better improve the look of my smile?
If you want to keep your smile looking its very best, a strong oral hygiene routine is the key. Taking the time to brush thoroughly twice daily (with any toothpaste you like), floss regularly, and visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year, go a long way towards preventing tartar buildup and removing stains.
How does tartar affect the look of my smile?
Tartar is a hard yellowish substance that can build up on teeth as a result of a poor oral hygiene. Tartar can give your teeth an unpleasant yellow appearance but it can also lead to some serious oral health issues. If your goal is a bright and healthy smile, preventing tartar buildup through good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dental hygienist are important.
Can professional teeth whitening improve my smile?
Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is an easy, non-invasive dental treatment used to actually lighten the colour of natural tooth enamel. Professional whitening can be an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile and help to boost your confidence.
Professional whitening generally involves 3 steps:
- Visit your dentist to be fitted for custom whitening trays;
- Return to your dentist to pickup your trays, professional whitening solution, and instructions;
- Use the whitening system at home over the course of several days.
