What Ingredients Are in a Whitening Toothpast?
Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives like silica to scrub away surface stains, along with chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains. However, whitening toothpastes cannot remove staining from beneath the enamel or from habits that will darken your teeth again after whitening, such as smoking and eating a lot of red foods.
Blue Covarine
Blue covarine is a proprietary phthalocyanine dye that works to diminish the appearance of surface stains on teeth. It has been shown in clinical and laboratory studies to be an effective whitening ingredient.
It is a safe and non-toxic compound that is used in whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. Whitening Toothpast It is formulated as a thick gel that is released on contact with the saliva, and its whitening action is based on deposition of a thin film over the surface of the tooth. This film reflects light in the visible spectrum and creates an optical illusion that the tooth is whiter than it actually is.
Although many lab and clinical studies have shown that toothpastes containing blue covarine are effective in whitening teeth, these whitening effects do not appear to last after brushing. These toothpastes do not significantly decrease the intensity or amount of extrinsic stains on the teeth after a single brushing, and they are not as effective as at-home and professional whitening treatments containing hydrogen peroxide.
To explore the potential of blue covarine to be used as a whitening agent, this study examined the whitening efficacy of two silica-based whitening toothpastes containing different concentrations of blue covarine. The toothpastes were compared to a control toothpaste without blue covarine, using in vitro and clinical measurements of tooth color (CIELAB b*) and tooth whiteness (WIO). A significant increase in both b* and WIO was observed after the toothbrushing of the BC+ toothpaste compared with a toothbrushing of the BC toothpaste. The BC+ toothpaste was also found to have a greater stain removal capacity than the BC toothpaste.
Carbamide Peroxide
Carbamide peroxide is a common ingredient in many dental treatments, from cleaning earwax to whitening teeth. This mild bleaching agent is a staple in most toothpastes, and it works by opening up the pores in your enamel to disperse more oxygen to whiten your smile from the inside out.
Most whitening toothpastes also contain mild abrasives like silica or baking soda to scrub away surface stains. This is important for removing plaque and discoloration from the enamel, but it can cause damage to the tooth structure over time. In fact, studies by Joiner et al and Zimmerman et al show that the abrasive and whitening ingredients in whitening toothpaste can increase surface roughness and microhardness of the dentin.
That’s why it’s a good idea to stick with a non-whitening formula with abrasives and sodium fluoride, like this option from Colgate. Gonchar and Tornatore both recommend it because it’s gentle on the enamel, yet still does a good job of removing extrinsic stains. Plus, it includes desensitizing agents to prevent any discomfort. Just be sure not to use it for more than a few weeks at a time, as prolonged exposure can trigger sensitivity.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a common ingredient in detox drinks, face masks and whitening toothpaste. It’s touted as a way to cleanse your body of toxins, reduce bloat and even cure hangovers. It’s also used to treat drug and alcohol poisoning by preventing the chemicals from being absorbed in the stomach or gut. It’s produced from carbon-rich materials like wood and coconut shells that are burned at very high temperatures. This creates the charcoal powder that is sold as a health food supplement in tablet, capsule and powder form.
Many whitening products claim that activated charcoal can help whiten your teeth by drawing out bacteria and toxins from the gums and mouth to be excreted in the feces. However, this claim is based on speculation and there are no clinical studies supporting it. Moreover, this method could damage the surface of the tooth enamel leading to highly sensitive teeth with reduced microhardness and abrasive properties, which would result in less effective whitening.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that activated charcoal can bind with certain medications, which may limit their effectiveness. This is especially true of antidepressants and antibiotics. Therefore, if you take any medications regularly, it’s recommended to talk with your doctor before using a whitening product that contains activated charcoal. This will ensure you receive the most benefit from your medication.
Other Ingredients
Some whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that scrub away surface stains. This can include ingredients like calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and hydrated aluminum oxides, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Some of these whitening toothpastes also use a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. This can have a whiter effect on your teeth, though it takes longer to work than other whitening agents.
Carbamide peroxide is another ingredient found in whitening toothpastes. This works in a different way than hydrogen peroxide, as it breaks down the components of your tooth that cause staining rather than just bleaching them. This face sun cream can take more time to work, but it can have a longer-lasting result than whitening toothpastes that only remove surface stains.
While whitening toothpastes can be a great tool for brightening your smile, it’s important to understand how they work so you can make the best choice for your needs. It’s also important to check your whitening toothpaste for other ingredients that may impact your oral health, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. This ingredient can be harsh on your mouth and has been linked to sores, sensitivity and more.
Other important ingredients to look for in a whitening toothpaste are fluoride and potassium nitrate. Fluoride helps prevent cavities while potassium nitrate blocks pain signals in your tooth’s nerves.