The food you choose can not only smell bad, but also leave stains on your teeth. Tea, coffee, red wine, berries and fruit juices are common causes of tooth stains. Routine cleaning and polishing at the clinic can help get rid of surface stains. Brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste can also help. Such toothpastes contain ingredients that polish and whiten the teeth. But tooth sensitivity is often associated with whitening toothpastes. Does that mean whitening toothpaste is bad for your teeth?

What is whitening toothpaste?

Whitening toothpaste is a type of toothpaste specially formulated to remove surface stains from teeth, helping to restore their natural whiteness and improve their overall appearance. Cosmetic dentist Dr P says that whitening toothpaste works mainly on surface stains caused by food, drinks and smoking. Parthasarathy Reddy said.

Whitening toothpaste usually works through a combination of physical and chemical mechanisms:

• Mild abrasives such as silica, calcium carbonate or baking soda can help remove surface stains without damaging the enamel. The teeth are polished and made to look white.
• Some whitening toothpastes contain bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that help chemically remove tooth stains. These chemicals can penetrate the enamel and break down compounds that cause discoloration.
• Certain enzymes such as papain and bromelain are added to break down the protein pellicle layer on the teeth, making it easier to remove the stains.

What are the side effects of using whitening toothpaste?

Common side effects of whitening toothpaste:

1. Tooth sensitivity

Abrasives and chemicals used in whitening toothpastes can increase sensitivity, says an expert. You feel special when you have hot or cold foods and drinks.

2. Gum irritation

Some people may experience gum or gum irritation when the gums come into contact with peroxide-based gels. This is usually due to improper application of the gel, according to American Dental Association,

3. Enamel erosion

Whitening toothpastes usually lighten teeth by one or two shades, but they can also affect tooth mineral content, a 2023 analysis published in Clinical Oral Investigations magazine Therefore, the surface roughness increases and the required microhardness of the tooth enamel decreases. If enamel erosion occurs, there may be greater susceptibility to tooth decay and sensitivity.

RDA value of whitening toothpaste

The Relative Dentin Abrasion or RDA value measures the abrasiveness of the toothpaste. The scale ranges from 0 to 200:

• 0 to 70: Low friction, so it is safe for long-term use.
• 70 to 100: Medium abrasion, suitable for most people.
• 100 to 150: Highly abrasive, effective for stain removal, but should be used with caution.
• 150 to 200+: Very abrasive, should be used sparingly and only under expert supervision.

To prevent tooth damage when using a whitening toothpaste, use one with an RDA value of 70 to 100, says Dr. Reddy. High RDA values ​​may lead to enamel erosion, while very low RDA values ​​may be ineffective at removing stains.

How to make whitening toothpaste less harmful?

To minimize the harmful effects of whitening toothpaste, do the following:

• Use whitening toothpaste only when needed and do not make it a daily routine, especially if it has a high RDA. Use the whitening toothpaste once or twice a day and limit continuous use to a few weeks.
• Alternate between whitening toothpaste and regular fluoride toothpaste to reduce abrasive wear.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid using excessive force when brushing.

Who Should Avoid Using Whitening Toothpaste?

Some people should avoid using whitening toothpaste –

• People who already suffer from tooth sensitivity may experience increased discomfort.
• Whitening toothpaste can increase gum irritation and should be avoided by those with gingivitis or periodontal disease.
• Children should avoid whitening toothpastes because of the risk of damaging the enamel and ingesting abrasive particles or chemicals.
• People with already compromised enamel should avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes to prevent further erosion.

Whitening toothpaste is safe to use, but make sure not to use it for too long. Overuse of whitening toothpastes can harm your teeth and gums.