A dentist has revealed that ‘whitening’ toothpaste may not actually be as beneficial for your teeth as some of the long-term results seem to suggest.
If you weren’t already put off using teeth whitening products after watching what happened on Ross’ date in season six, episode eight friends, then you might want to heed a dentist’s warning.
The problem
Rifkin Dental in Yorktown Heights and Carmel, New York took to TikTok to share some enlightenment about so-called whitening toothpastes.
In a post shared last week, the account revealed an important “dental lesson.”
She states: “Whitening toothpastes do NOT whiten your teeth. They just remove the outer stains by rubbing away the layers of enamel, which can make your teeth look whiter at first.”
However, “over time” your teeth will actually end up “thinner” and “yellower” as a result. Oh, and you’ll have more “sensitive teeth.”
And it doesn’t take long for people to flood the comments with despair.
One TikTok user said: “Oh my god it’s always something,” while another said: “Can’t I live in peace?”
A third commented: “At this point I’m sure we’re all breathing wrong too.”
“So what do you recommend for teeth whitening?” a fourth was asked.
Fortunately, there are safe ways to use the toothpaste formula if you’re looking for more dazzling shavings without the potential damage.
It’s Time to Rethink How You Use Whitening Toothpaste (Getty Stock Images/ Microgen Images/ Science Photo Library)
Possible solutions
Well, Health explains the “best” whitening toothpaste contains ingredients like whitening agents “hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide” that help “remove stains”.
Other whitening agents found in some whitening toothpastes may include “anti-caking agents, which prevent tooth discoloration after whitening,” along with teeth-whitening dyes and surfactants.
The article notes that it’s generally safe to use,” but it’s how often you use it that can end up being the main cause of problems.
However, hydrogen peroxide can be “too harsh on sensitive teeth and gums,” and if you have a sensitive mouth, it’s best to look for other options that contain “fluoride and potassium nitrate” that are milder.
There are alternatives, of course (Getty Stock Images)
He adds: “Whitening toothpaste is generally safe to use. However, if you use it for long periods, it can damage enamel and irritate your gums and teeth. Don’t use whitening toothpaste more often than the label suggests – for example, once or twice a day for six weeks — or as the dentist advises.’
Other options include getting professional whitening treatments at the dentist, using whitening trays or strips, or painting “whitening gels on your teeth.”
Or you can simply try to prevent yellowing in the first place by cutting down on coffee and tea – and obviously soy sauce too – washing your mouth immediately after drinking, not smoking, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and limiting super sugary food and drink.
