Teeth can become yellow, stained, or dull over time due to a number of reasons. If you feel unhappy about a diminished color in your smile, you might want to purchase an over-the-counter whitening product to brighten your smile. Whitening toothpaste promises to enhance the color of your teeth by several shades.
This toothpaste can successfully brighten your smile when used as directed. But is it always effective in helping you reach your smile aesthetic goals? Read on to learn more about how whitening toothpaste works to improve your tooth color.
What Does Traditional Toothpaste Do?
Traditional toothpaste is a tool used when completing your oral hygiene routine. You apply it to a toothbrush, and the combination of the action of scrubbing plus this paste will effectively remove plaque and other harmful residues from your smile.
Toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients that improve the ability to scrape away residues, as well as surface stains when you brush your teeth. This will leave you with a cleaner, healthier, and better-looking smile.
But this product will not reach deeper discoloration in your teeth. You will need targeted whitening solutions to reach these stubborn stains in your smile.
How Does Whitening Toothpaste Brighten Tooth Color?
A whitening toothpaste features the abrasive ingredients of traditional toothpaste as well as bleaching agents. These materials will absorb into the enamel of your teeth, accessing stubborn stains and lifting them toward the surface. This way, you can scrub away the discoloration more so than you would with your usual routine.
When used as directed, you can achieve a brighter-colored smile. Make sure you select a brand of whitening toothpaste with the ADA seal. This way, you know that the product will work as it advertises.
However, this product uses a one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic smile enhancement. This means that if you have specific issues with your tooth color, it will not always respond to over-the-counter products alone. You should talk to your dentist to learn how whitening toothpaste or other treatments can get you the brighter smile of your dreams.
Find More Teeth Whitening Treatments from Your Dentist
Your dentist will evaluate your smile and consider your desired results, existing dental concerns, and medical history. Then they can find an individualized cosmetic dental treatment plan that will help you achieve your unique smile goals.
Professional teeth whitening treatment involves a dentist applying a whitening gel containing bleaching agents like in toothpaste that will brighten your smile. But the supervision of a dentist will ensure you get more customized results that will look gorgeous and natural in your smile. They can also help to minimize potential side effects that might occur with an over-the-counter product.
For your convenience, your dentist can offer both an in-office treatment and a take-home whitening kit to enhance your tooth color. They may also suggest other cosmetic solutions like teeth bonding and porcelain veneers to give you a brighter smile. Learn more about your options by scheduling a consultation today.