Does a special whitening toothpaste really lighten teeth?
Most “whitening toothpastes” remove some surface stains, but they will not bleach the teeth as effectively as bleaching gels or solutions that contain the bleaching agent carbamide peroxide. Even if the toothpaste does contain some bleaching chemicals, the length of time in which the paste is in contact with the teeth is insignificant compared with using a bleaching solution and a form-fitted matrix, or especially an in-office treatment. Also, these toothpastes may have harmful abrasives that can wear away tooth structure over time.
Most “whitening toothpastes” remove some surface stains, but they will not bleach the teeth as effectively as bleaching gels or solutions do that contain the bleaching agent carbamide peroxide. Even if the toothpaste does contain some bleaching chemicals, the length of time in which the paste is in contact with the teeth is insignificant compared with using a bleaching solution and a form fitted matrix or especially an in-office treatment. Also, these toothpastes may have harmful abrasives that can wear away tooth structure over time.