Understanding Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
Table of Contents
How Whitening Toothpaste Works
Whitening toothpastes work by removing surface stains from teeth. These stains can be caused by food, smoking, or even aging. Any whitening toothpaste you purchase will have abrasive particles that “whiten” your teeth by removing stains.
Understanding RDA Value
The higher the number of abrasive particles, the higher the relative dentin abrasion (RDA) value. Most whitening toothpastes will be in the highly abrasive category with RDA values of 100+. People with sensitive teeth should avoid whitening toothpastes with a high RDA. They may also want to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which can help to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
Choosing the Best Whitening Toothpaste
The best whitening toothpaste is the one that works best for you. Some people may find that a highly abrasive toothpaste is the most effective, while others may prefer a milder toothpaste. Here are some additional statistics about whitening toothpaste:
- A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that whitening toothpastes with an RDA of 100 or more can remove surface stains from teeth by up to 20%.
- Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, found that whitening toothpastes with an RDA of 100 or more can reduce the appearance of gingival recession by up to 15%.
However, it is important to note that whitening toothpastes cannot remove deep stains, such as those caused by smoking or tetracycline use.
Product Recommendations
Here are some recommendations for high-quality whitening toothpastes:
- Colgate Optic White Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste
- Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste
- Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
- Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste
- Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste
If you have deep stains caused by smoking or tetracycline use, you may need to see a dentist for professional whitening treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toothpaste
The following are frequently asked questions about toothpaste. It doesn't matter if you have sensitive teeth, need whitening, want to use charcoal, or even are looking for the best toothpaste for your dog or elephant. You can find answers here!
- What is the best toothpaste?
- What is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth?
- Does toothpaste expire?
- Should I use charcoal toothpaste?
- What is Hello toothpaste?
- What is Boka toothpaste?
- What is Bite toothpaste?
- What is RiseWell toothpaste?
- What is Georganics toothpaste?
- What is Elephant toothpaste?
- What are some options for dog toothpaste?
- Is fluoridated toothpaste bad for you?
- What fluoride-free toothpaste is recommended?
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.