A dentist has warned that using whitening toothpaste in an attempt to get brighter teeth can make them yellower and more likely to crack.
In a viral video that has now been viewed more than 2 million times, the oral health expert told his TikTok followers thatToothpastes “don’t really whiten your teeth.”
While they can make your smile appear whiter at first by removing darker enamel, over time, abrasive ingredients lead to thinner, yellower and more sensitive teeth, he said.
This is because erosion of the tooth’s protective enamel exposes the dentin – the main part of the tooth that has a yellow tint.
The dentist who goes by @rifkindental on TikTok has told his 593 followers that whitening toothpaste can damage your teeth
The post, shared by the @rifkindental account, left many social media users wondering what to do instead of using whitening toothpaste.
One social media user asked: “So what do you suggest?”
“Don’t gate keepie bestie,” they added.
“At this point, I’m sure we’re all breathing wrong,” added another.
Others asked if whitening strips were better.
But there are many dangers to both whitening toothpastes and DIY whitening kits.
Some whitening toothpastes use surface stain removers that whiten teeth by polishing your pearly whites.
This can remove discoloration caused by drinks or food using mild abrasives. It is these abrasives that can damage your enamel.
Your enamel prevents your teeth from breaking or wearing down, so not having enough of it can make you more susceptible to cavities.
Tooth decay is a big problem in the UK. About a third of adults (33 percent) have tooth decay and three-quarters have had a tooth extracted, according to the Oral Health Foundation.
Tooth decay is the destruction of the tooth caused by acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque. Every time you consume a sugary drink or food, it causes the bacteria in the plaque to produce acid that attacks the teeth.
But toothpaste brand Colgate insists its whitening toothpastes are safe to use.
The company explains that all toothpastes are rated based on their abrasiveness using something called a relative toothpaste rating (RDA).
The American Dental Association (ADA) says any toothpaste with an RDA under 250 is safe.
Most toothpastes on the market are below 200, meaning the risk of corrosion is lower.
Other products contain whitening ingredients that actually change the color of your teeth.
However, under UK law, only a qualified dentist is allowed to offer effective treatments to patients.
You should talk to your dentist before trying a whitening product as they may cause sensitivity.
It’s not just whitening toothpastes that pose a risk, the NHS warns that many at-home teeth whitening kits can cause damage
Hydrogen peroxide is a whitening agent used in over-the-counter whitening products and professional treatments.
However, over-the-counter types contain very low doses that are unlikely to make a difference to tooth color.
The concentration of the whitening agent is higher in whitening gels, strips and pens prescribed by a dentist.
Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal without a dentist and can put your oral health at risk.
Some of the risks include bleaching gel leaking into your gums which can cause blisters and sensitivity.
