If you turn to a whitening toothpaste to improve your smile, think again, because it could cause irreversible damage.
Dr. James Martyniak, who is part of the team at Rifkin Dental in Carmel, New York, says whitening paste is largely ineffective.
He explains in a TikTok video: “Whitening toothpastes don’t actually whiten teeth, they simply remove external stains by removing layers of enamel that can make teeth appear whiter at first.”
The dental expert warns that whitening toothpastes can cause damage over time, leading to “thinner, yellower and more sensitive teeth.”
Whitening toothpastes can potentially thin teeth because they often contain higher levels of abrasives compared to regular toothpastes.
Colgate says all toothpastes are rated for abrasiveness using something called the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) score, and the American Dental Association (ADA) sets an “upper limit” of an RDA score of 250.
However, anything above 101 is considered “highly abrasive” and scores between 151 and 250 are “extremely abrasive” and “considered borderline damaging.”
There are approximately 15 whitening toothpaste products that fall between scores of 101 and 250.
A dentist has revealed why he discourages his patients from using whitening toothpaste as it causes potentially permanent damage.
In addition to abrasive toothpaste, some people may already be more prone to enamel damage than others, as their diet and certain medical conditions can affect the strength of their teeth.
If the enamel wears away, it can expose the dentin underneath, which is a hard tissue that makes up most of the tooth and is yellow in color.
For this reason, Dr. Martyniak noted, whitening toothpastes can make teeth appear more yellow than white.
It can also cause teeth to thin and the protective outer layer to wear away.
This, in turn, can increase the risk of cavities, as it is easier for bacteria to penetrate and cause cavities.
If your teeth become significantly thinner due to enamel erosion, they may eventually fall out.
As for sensitivity, Indiana dentist Dr. Matthew Wittrig agrees that whitening toothpastes can be irritating.
Explaining why this happens, he says: “When using whitening toothpastes regularly, some patients experience increased tooth sensitivity, which may feel like a wave or rush of pain in response to cold air or cold liquid.
Dr. James Martyniak, who is part of the team at Rifkin Dental in Carmel, New York, says whitening paste is largely ineffective.
‘Although we don’t know exactly why whitening toothpaste increases sensitivity, the likely culprit is the peroxide which acts as the main ingredient to help whiten the surface of the tooth.
“Peroxide can irritate the nerve in the tooth, causing inflammation and irritation that contribute to symptoms such as tingling or sensitivity to cold.”
In addition to making teeth thinner, yellower, and more sensitive, Dr. Wittrig says whitening toothpastes can also cause damage to the tissue around the gum area.
He adds: ‘Whitening toothpastes with higher concentrations of peroxide can cause gum irritation and even tissue damage, if used more frequently than the label recommends.
‘Gel whitening strips or trays can also cause chemical burns if the peroxide remains on the oral tissue for too long instead of on the tooth.
‘If you are using these products at home, be careful to wipe off excess whitening agents from your gums and mouth tissue.
‘As with abrasive whitening toothpastes, active ingredients such as baking soda may cause irritation in some patients. If you notice a reaction to whitening products, stop using them immediately.’
For those looking to achieve a whiter smile, Dr. Wittrig advises investigating professionally applied peroxide products, such as gel trays or strips.
This is because dentist-administered teeth whiteners can “penetrate deeper into the tooth to reach stains on the tooth enamel that over-the-counter whiteners cannot.”
And, to avoid damage to your enamel, Colgate advises: “Remember to always follow the instructions on the label and do not use the toothpaste more frequently than directed.”
“And for best results, pair your toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a gentle brushing technique—no harsh scrubbing!”