Whitening Toothpastes: Do They Really Work?

Some people stand in the drugstore and wonder if toothpastes with ”whitening power” really work. Whitening toothpastes contain chemicals or polishing agents that can remove stains from the teeth. All toothpastes have mild abrasives that help remove surface stains. If your teeth are darker that they used to be because of surface stains, whitening toothpastes can brighten your smile.
On the other hand, if your teeth are darker because of deeper stains, perhaps from an injury or certain medications, whitening toothpastes will not give you effective results. Unlike bleaching, these toothpastes do not change the color of the teeth to a whiter, brighter shade. If you go this route, be sure to choose a brand that contains fluoride. Teens are still very susceptible to tooth decay.
Bleaching changes the color of your teeth without removing any tooth structure. One treatment choice is in-office bleaching. A concentrated bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and then activated with heat or light. The visits take about an hour, and usually one to four visits are needed. A more affordable choice is a bleaching kit you get from a dentist and use at home. This approach is better for older children and teens.