Jefferson Call, DMD and Thorn Simnitt, DMD believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. If you would like us to cover a particular topic or have any questions, please email us.
Current Post:
How Do Your Teeth Get Whiter with Whitening Toothpaste?
Posted on 3/15/2025 by Century Dental
We all want a healthy, white smile. That's why teeth whitening has become so popular. But how does whitening toothpaste actually work? In the past, dentists had few options for treating stained and discolored teeth. Thankfully, the dental community developed ways to safely brighten smiles, from in-office procedures to take-home kits and over-the-counter treatments. Let's explore how whitening toothpastes work their magic! There are two main mechanisms by which whitening toothpastes achieve their brightening effect: 1. Abrasion: Toothpaste contains tiny abrasive particles that gently buff away surface stains, much like how an eraser removes pencil marks from paper. These are generally polishing agents like hydrated silica or calcium carbonate. They remove extrinsic stains caused by external factors like coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. 2. Chemical Action: Some toothpastes utilize hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or even baking soda to whiten teeth. These chemicals break down stain molecules through an oxidation process, essentially bleaching them away and revealing a brighter enamel. This tackles deeper, intrinsic stains embedded within the tooth structure itself. While most whitening toothpastes rely on a combination of abrasion and chemical action, it's important to choose an appropriate strength that effectively lifts stains without compromising your oral health. Excessive abrasion can lead to tooth sensitivity and even enamel erosion. Therefore, talk to your dentist for recommendations based on your individual needs and tooth sensitivity level. But what about Prevention Dentistry and oral care habits, you ask? That's where regular brushing and flossing come in! These essential oral hygiene habits not only remove debris and plaque buildup, but also prevent further staining from occurring by reducing the accumulation of stain-promoting particles on your teeth. So what do we learn from all this? Whitening toothpastes work on different levels to tackle teeth discoloration and provide a brighter smile, offering an excellent option for at-home teeth whitening. However, it's always wise to prioritize your overall oral health through consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. By combining proper oral care habits with suitable at-home whitening treatments, you can effectively keep stains at bay and maintain a confident, dazzling smile!... Read more...
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 - (971) 708-1608 - centurydentalllc.com - 3/27/2025 - Related Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR
