The oral cavity is the beginning of our entire digestive system. Therefore, the health of internal organs directly depends on the health of teeth. With poor nutrition and poor oral care, our teeth can become covered with unattractive and very harmful plaque. What’s most offensive: even good hygiene will not save your teeth from the hated yellowness. However, we have found a solution that will help maintain the natural whiteness of your teeth and restore your beautiful smile. This is a whitening toothpaste. But it's not that simple. Let's look at how whitening toothpastes work, how they can be used, and why some of them can be dangerous to your health. The dentist-therapist answered our questions Elena Bobkova.
Classification
All whitening pastes are divided into two main types:
- Removing pigment on enamel. Contains enzymes, abrasives and polishing agents. They promote easy removal of plaque from the enamel surface and lightening of age spots.
- Lightening pigment inside the enamel. The active ingredient in such pastes is carbamide peroxide. It is contained in a minimal concentration, but the quality of whitening is not inferior to professional procedures. This component is able to act on the pigment through the inner layers of enamel, providing it.
Important! The quality of whitening depends not only on the paste, but also on the individual physiological characteristics of each person.
The systematic use of whitening pastes allows you to lighten tooth enamel by several tones. The gentle effect of their active components eliminates mechanical and chemical damage to the integrity of the enamel and oral mucosa.
An effect worth counting on
A whitening paste that you purchase at a pharmacy or store can promise to lighten your enamel by up to 3-4 or even 5 tones. However, dentists believe that these are just marketing tricks to attract more customers. In fact, even the best samples, which contain peroxides, can make hard tissues lighter by only 2 shades. The maximum effect that can be expected from abrasives is 1 tone.
It is also very important to take into account this point: if the enamel is yellowish, and the yellowness is associated with plaque and the food consumed, then the use of bleaches will really help it become lighter. If the teeth are dark in color, have a thick layer of plaque on them, very bright pigment and various stains, and this is the result of internal rather than external factors (for example, disease), then it will definitely not be possible to get rid of the defect using home methods. In case of these problems, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor, who will offer to restore the aesthetics of the smile in other ways, for example, prosthetics, artistic restoration.
Important! The effect of using the products is unstable. Within a month after stopping use, the color of the teeth becomes the same.
The principle of action and features of whitening toothpastes
The principle of action of whitening toothpastes directly depends on the main active ingredient.
Among them are:
- Abrasives have a mechanical effect on soft plaque, thereby removing it from the surface of the teeth
Abrasive and polishing components. These can be calcium, fluorine or silicon compounds. Depending on the size of the polishing microparticles and their concentration, the effectiveness of enamel cleansing is determined. Abrasives have a mechanical effect on soft plaque, thereby removing it from the surface of the teeth.
- Enzymes. Under their influence, the protein structures that form plaque are broken down. This facilitates its easy and quick removal from the enamel surface.
- Whitening peroxide compounds. Under the influence of active components, water and oxygen are formed. Oxygen, penetrating into the layers of enamel and dentin, illuminates organic compounds in them that have become colored, and water ensures their leaching.
- Complexing agents. Due to the multi-component composition, under the influence of abrasives and chemical reagents, the enamel is comprehensively cleansed from soft plaque and mineralized deposits. This ensures a snow-white smile.
Precautions and helpful tips from experts
We will tell you how to use whitening toothpaste so that it is as effective as possible and does not cause damage to all components of the oral cavity.
Firstly, it is best to choose a product after consultation with a dentist, who will assess the clinical situation and offer the safest options. It may turn out that whitening compounds are completely contraindicated for you. Or fluorine is contraindicated (due to fluorosis, as well as an excess of the element in the body), which is included in most of the samples presented today.
Secondly, it is necessary to undergo professional hygiene in dentistry to prepare the tissues for exposure to bleaches. At the preparation stage, it is important to strengthen the enamel with remotherapy or fluoridation. Two weeks before the start of the course, you need to increase your consumption of foods with calcium and phosphorus, and start taking vitamin and mineral complexes.
Thirdly, when choosing, give preference not to price, bright advertising or beautiful packaging, but to the composition. The packaging must indicate the abrasiveness index, as well as the content of fluorine and other useful components. It is better not to buy copies that lack such valuable information.
“You need to use the paste exactly as much as indicated on the package. Some formulations are designed for daily use for 1-2 months, others are used 1-2 times a week. You definitely shouldn’t ignore this rule. If, during the whitening course, the sensitivity of hard tissues greatly increased, the gums began to become inflamed and bleed, or a rash appeared, stop using the product, switch to anti-inflammatory and remineralizing compounds, and consult a dentist,” explains Tatyana Varlamova, dental therapist.
To apply the product to your teeth, use a brush with soft bristles or medium hardness. Movements during cleaning should be careful and gentle. There is no need to vigorously rub the composition into hard tissues - you will not get the best effect from this, but you will definitely damage your teeth.
During the course of procedures and for 2 weeks after its completion, try to exclude foods and drinks with dyes from your diet, stop smoking, otherwise you may not get the promised effect of 1-2 tones.
What requirements must be met?
To achieve a quick effect and prevent damage to the enamel and oral mucosa, it is necessary to use high-quality toothpastes.
To actually whiten your teeth and not harm them, toothpastes must have certificates and meet the following list of requirements:
- The consistency of the paste should be homogeneous and viscous
Contain whitening and polishing components in the structure.
- Possess high cleansing properties.
- High deodorizing and refreshing effect.
- Do not contain harmful components that provoke the development of allergies or the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.
- Strictly observe the concentration of the constituent components according to the recipe.
- The consistency of the paste should be homogeneous and viscous.
- It is mandatory to contain antiseptic preservatives to ensure the microbiological purity of the paste.
- Maintain the recommended pH value of no more than 10.5.
Rules of application
First of all, any attempt to whiten your teeth should be discussed with your dentist. The Internet is full of stories of beauty victims who only harmed themselves in pursuit of a smile. Their methods were absurd, but what can a person who wants to achieve results “here and this minute” not come up with? You can judge which toothpaste whitens teeth better based on our rating, but you still need a dentist: he will tell you which toothpaste is right for you.
Don't forget about these universal rules:
- If you bought a toothpaste, but discovered that your teeth are hypersensitive, stop using it immediately and switch to regular toothpaste. Such procedures should not cause pain, this is not normal.
- Alternate whitening paste with formulations designed for sensitive teeth. This way you will strengthen the enamel.
- After a whitening course, try to maintain the achieved effect with the right diet.
Tags: at home, toothpaste, review, teeth whitening, whitening paste, rating
About the author: DrZubastik
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Pastes for lightening tooth enamel: TOP-20 best rating
On the modern market, toothpastes for teeth whitening are presented in a wide range. These products are produced by various manufacturers, each of which offers different types of such hygiene products.
Rating of super tooth whitening pastes that are most popular in Russia:
- LACALUT White. Contains spherical cut abrasives, pyrophosphates and fluorides. They ensure the dissolution of mineralized deposits and the removal of pigmented plaque. The RDA is 120, which allows you to use the paste every two days. The price of Lakalyut for a tube of 50 ml is 220 rubles.
- LACALUT white and repair. In addition to whitening, it has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-caries effect. Includes sodium and calcium fluoride; reactions with saliva help restore enamel and create anti-caries protection for it. The cost of a 75 ml tube is 250 rubles.
- PRESIDENT White Plus. Uniqueness is determined by the presence of silicate-based abrasive and calcium abrasive. They stimulate tissue regeneration and have a bactericidal effect. Due to the high abrasiveness coefficient of 200, it quickly eliminates plaque, mineralized deposits and age spots. President's price for 30 ml is 161 rubles.
- PRESIDENT White. Abrasive and polishing components are presented in the form of silicon and calcium, the effect of which is enhanced by fluoride ions and plant extracts. This has additional anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and analgesic effects. You can buy it for 290 rubles.
- Rembrandt anti-tobacco and coffee. The active ingredients are aluminum and silicon oxides. In addition to the abrasive effect, they eliminate plaque and age spots. Due to the presence of papain, mineralizing stones are easily removed, and the high concentration of fluoride prevents their re-formation and remineralizes the enamel. An ideal product for smokers and lovers of strong tea, it can be purchased for 720 rubles for a volume of 50 ml.
- Rembrandt plus. Characterized by rapid whitening under the influence of urea peroxide. The fluoride contained in the composition strengthens the top layer of enamel. Price for a 50 ml tube is 540 rubles.
- Splat whitening plus. Titanium and silicon dioxide, papain and polydone can effectively remove plaque and pigmentation. Fluoride and potassium fights hypersensitivity. On average, Splat costs 85 rubles.
- Splat extreme white. A non-abrasive paste that contains complexing agents that provide complete gentle whitening. It is an effective tool for the prevention of caries. Allowed for everyday use. Price for a 75 ml tube is 192 rubles.
- Silca arctic white. A high concentration of fluoride helps restore the structure of tooth enamel and prevents the appearance of hypersensitivity. Removes plaque of any density. 100 ml of paste can be bought for 128 rubles.
- Rocs sensational whitening. Does not contain fluoride. The bromelain included in the composition helps to break down pigmentation, and calcium glycerophosphate replenishes the deficiency of minerals in the enamel. Price for 60 ml 217 rubles.
- Rocs pro delicate whitening. Contains one type of abrasive. This provides the most gentle effect on the enamel. To enhance the effect, it is advisable to use the pro oxygen whitening gel in parallel. Cost 284 rubles per 60 ml tube.
- Rocs gel pro oxygen whitening. Does not contain fluorine, parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate, low abrasive. Due to the effect of active oxygen, it brightens the enamel from the inside by 2-3 tones in one course. 60 ml costs 375 rubles.
- Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White. Due to the combination of sodium fluoride and sodium pyrophosphate, it has a complex effect. The paste whitens and removes plaque and mineralized deposits. The effectiveness is noticeable after the first use. A 100 gram tube costs 532 rubles.
- Blendamed 3d white. It is one of the most common and affordable toothpastes in this category. The product consists of a single abrasive and numerous pyrophosphates. After use, hypersensitivity of tooth enamel may develop. The price of Blendamed for a 75 ml tube is 226 rubles.
- Perfect White Black. It is made on the basis of activated carbon. It has low abrasiveness, which allows you to use this product daily. The presence of fluorides and calcium ensures the strengthening of the enamel. The price of such a product with a volume of 100 ml is 497 rubles.
- Colgate comprehensive whitening. Contains active polishing microcrystals that effectively restore the natural whiteness of enamel. Fluoride-containing paste, which is suitable exclusively for cleansing soft plaque. Prevents re-formation of plaque and caries. Price for a 100 ml tube is 172 rubles.
- Colgate Optic White. In addition to whitening, it has a cleansing and refreshing effect. The main effect is due to the presence of optical whitening granules, which are activated during cleaning. Cost 214 rubles for 75 ml.
- New pearl whitening. Refers to available pastes. It contains a high concentration of pyrophosphates. It has a gentle effect, which allows it to be used by children over 7 years of age. Price for 100 ml 85 rubles.
- White Glo. The presence of effective and safe whitening formulas in its composition allows you to effectively lighten age spots and remove plaque. The high concentration of vitamins and rosehip oil enhances the protective properties of the oral mucosa. Cost for 100 ml 190 rubles.
- Yotuel Classic. A complex of special low-abrasive silicon dioxide with natural enzymes promotes effective teeth whitening even in the interdental spaces without damaging the enamel. The presence of active potassium fluoride and xylitol helps prevent the development of caries and the formation of mineralized deposits. The cost of a 50 ml tube with the name Yotuel Classic is 647 rubles.
Blendamed 3d white
Colgate comprehensive whitening
Colgate Optical White
Crest 3D White Lux Glamorous White
LACALUT White
LACALUT white and repair
Perfect White Black
PRESIDENT White
PRESIDENT White Plus
Rembrandt anti-tobacco and coffee
Rembrandt plus
Rocs pro delicate whitening
Rocs Sensational whitening
Rocs gel pro Oxygen whitening
Silca arctic white
Splat extreme white
Splat whitening plus
White Glo
Yotuel Classic
New pearl whitening
Highly abrasive
These pastes are not for the weak: their action is very effective, but does not at all help strengthen the enamel, which is already in a deplorable state. Therefore, it is better to weigh your options and not sacrifice health for the sake of beauty.
| Name | Peculiarities | Price |
| Lacalut White | In the formula we can notice abrasive elements in the form of spheres, pyrophosphates and fluorides, so the abrasiveness index is impressive - 120 (the norm is 80). This composition is designed for use in the form of courses: 3 times a week for several months with equal breaks. Fluoride, of course, smoothes out the impression, but not dramatically. | 250 |
| PresiDENT PROFI PLUS White Plus | Here is a unique abrasive based on silicates and calcium, which is complemented by an equally exclusive item - an extract from sea shells. This composition allows you to clean off plaque, remove pigmentation and even crush tartar. Fluoride is replaced by calcium salts and Icelandic cetraria extract. They strengthen the enamel. This paste is very specific and can only be used once a week. | 250 |
You may also find other at-home life hacks useful for whitening your teeth.
Selection rules
When choosing a toothpaste with whitening effects, consider the following factors:
- The presence of fluoride and peroxide in toothpaste must be within acceptable concentrations
Concentration of abrasive components. Their presence should not exceed 40% of the total composition. Sensitive and children's teeth should be brushed with a paste containing RDA 25. For everyday use, no more than 75 RDA, and if its value is in the range of 80-150, then this is an ideal tool for lightening enamel with normal sensitivity. Smokers and coffee drinkers should choose a toothpaste with an RDA above 150.
- Paste composition. In addition to abrasive and chemical components, such products should contain minerals and plant extracts. The presence of fluorine and peroxide must be within acceptable concentrations.
- Presence of harmful components. It is strictly forbidden to use whitening pastes that contain: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cocosulfate, titanium white, triclosan, aluminum lactate.
- Manufacturer. It is recommended to give preference to well-known brands that produce professional oral care products.
Popular products for sensitive enamel and gums
What should those who have gum problems, such as bleeding, do? The best solution is to contact a dentist, who will select the optimal products. But you can also purchase the most gentle and safe formulations that promise to lighten and strengthen the enamel, as well as anti-inflammatory therapy for the gums.
This is interesting! According to [1] some studies, people’s choice in favor of a particular paste in 36% of cases is based on reviews from social networks, in 32% on advertising. About 32% of respondents pay attention to packaging design and only 12% of patients follow the recommendations of their doctor.
There are many options: Parodontax “Comprehensive Protection”, Dentissimo Gold Advanced Whitening, ROCS Sensitive, Medical Minerals or “Active Calcium”, Miradent Mirawhite gelee, Himalaya Herbals Sparkly White, Crest Pro-Health Sensitive, Vitex Black clean “Whitening + Gum Protection” , Biorepair Pro White, Asepta Plus “Gentle Whitening”, Natura Siberica “Pearl of Siberia”, Sensodyne F.
The listed products contain natural and herbal ingredients, fruit and mint extracts, pharmaceutical herbs (for example, chamomile).
Which pasta is better?
A qualified specialist will help you choose the most suitable product, establishing the scheme and duration of its use
Whitening pastes have different principles of action: mechanical, complex or chemical.
With the correct selection and use of such products, abrasive and polishing compounds are the most gentle.
Compared to chemical and complex compounds, such pastes have an effect much later.
But their main advantage is maintaining the integrity of the enamel structure.
Important! The best toothpaste is considered to be a product selected by the dentist taking into account the general condition of the tooth enamel. A qualified specialist will help you choose the most suitable product, establishing the scheme and duration of its use.
Whitening pastes for professional use, for children and with papain
In addition to regular whitening pastes, there are separate categories of these products:
- Professional. Used in dental offices. They are based on the processes of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations.
- For children. Whitening pastes in pediatrics can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Such products should not contain fluorine, and the RDA concentration should not exceed 25. All components must be safe.
- Contains papain. This natural enzyme changes the structure of plaque, which allows it to be easily removed from the surface of the teeth with a brush.
Sensodyne
This paste is from the UK and is also considered one of the safest, as well as effective. Experts call it the best instant remedy. The paste prevents gum inflammation in the shortest possible time and provides oral cavity prevention.
In addition, the product has an analgesic effect. The immediate effect is largely determined by the presence of unnatural components: thickeners, concentrated medications and other synthetic elements. But the entire available list is safe and helps teeth and gums, and there are no mentions of any side effects either in consumer reviews or in expert comments.
Benefits of the paste:
- effective cleaning;
- rapid healing of small wounds;
- analgesic effect;
- pleasant aroma;
- can be used from 12 years of age.
Flaws:
- synthetic components in the composition;
- there are a lot of fakes.
The approximate cost of the paste is about 250 rubles.
Precautionary measures
Safety Tips:
- It is recommended to use a soft bristle toothbrush
When using toothpastes containing carbamide peroxide, it is necessary to take into account the concentration of the main substance. Their uncontrolled use contributes to the development of enamel destruction and allergies. After completing the course, it is recommended to use toothpaste containing calcium.
- If a paste with abrasive-polishing components is used, their concentration should be taken into account. An increased content of RDA destroys the outer protective shell of the crown of the teeth, damages dentin and develops dental hyperesthesia. Prohibited for use by children under 12 years of age.
- Uncontrolled use of enzyme-containing pastes that break down plaque leads to thinning of the enamel and discoloration of the filling. It is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Bottom line
Until recently, dental whitening preparations were a luxury item, and citizens of our country visited the dentist’s office to whiten their teeth. Today, abrasive toothpaste can be bought at any pharmacy at a reasonable price. However, when purchasing whitening products, you need to remember that they are suitable for people with natural white enamel darkened by coffee or cigarettes. These medications will not help people with naturally yellow enamel.
The best pastes are those that contain abrasive and bleaching components. If the preparations do not contain minerals that nourish teeth (fluorine, calcium), additional measures should be taken to mineralize the teeth. Immediately after brushing your teeth, you should not drink coffee or eat foods that can stain the enamel.
Abrasive pastes are strictly prohibited for children under 12-14 years of age, as they will lead to caries and gum problems. The preparations contain potent substances that destroy the fragile structure of the enamel.
Dentists do not recommend using potent substances on an ongoing basis, so abrasive paste should be alternated with regular ones. People with sensitive teeth or sore gums should not use abrasive pastes, as their use will aggravate the sensitivity and have a negative effect on the gums.
Sources used:
- Kopetsky I. S., Pobozhyeva L. V. Modern therapeutic and prophylactic means for individual oral hygiene // General Medicine. — 2012.
- The European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (USA)
- Fedorov, Yu. A. Oral hygiene / Yu.A. Fedorov. — M.: Medicine
Harmfulness and usefulness
Negative effects manifest themselves in:
- Development of sensitivity of tooth enamel and gums.
- Change in color of filling material.
- Thinning of tooth enamel, which leads to changes in tooth structure.
- Possibility of developing allergies or swelling of the gums.
- In the presence of dental pathologies, their condition worsens.
The beneficial properties of such hygiene products are:
- Restoring the natural shade of enamel.
- Dissolving hard plaque.
- Preventing the accumulation of soft plaque.
- Remineralization of the outer protective shell of the crown of the teeth.
- In additional therapeutic effects.
Preventive measures
After undergoing teeth whitening using special pastes, the following preventive measures should be observed:
- Rinse teeth with solutions containing calcium glycerophosphate and sodium fluoride.
- Maintain good oral hygiene every day.
- Limit the consumption of hot and cold drinks, as well as foods with natural and synthetic dyes.
- Before the procedure, you should undergo a complete sanitation of the oral cavity.
- Quit the bad habit of smoking tobacco products.
- Systematically repeat the course every quarter.
Biorepair Intensive Night
This is an Italian special paste for caring for the oral cavity before bed. The product contains proprietary patented MicroRepair technology, where tiny active particles maintain the condition of the enamel all night. It also contains natural ingredients that nourish teeth with essential minerals and thereby restore them.
All elements included in the paste have been thoroughly tested and meet all international standards, so the product can be confidently called safe. Users are entirely positive about Biorepair Intensive Night, and experts do not note any critical shortcomings.
The only fly in the ointment that domestic consumers often complain about is the difficulty in purchasing. The product is rarely found on Russian shelves, but it is worth looking for.
Benefits of the paste:
- effective night protection;
- the next morning a pleasant aroma and sensation in the oral cavity;
- reduces tooth sensitivity;
- whitening effect;
- regeneration of small wounds.
Flaws:
- the price is high, especially if purchased through third parties.
The approximate cost of the paste is about 600 rubles.
Reviews
There are reviews online about which whitening paste is better:
Elena, 35 years old. I constantly use White Glo toothpaste. The result is positive: the teeth are snow-white, hyperesthesia does not appear. It has a pleasant mint taste and is affordable.
Arkady, 42 years old. I regularly brush my teeth with Rembrandt toothpaste. I chose a product for smokers and did not regret it. It allowed me to clean my teeth of brown plaque and tartar. Now their formation is much slower. The gums do not become inflamed or bleed. The breath became fresher.
Ivan Petrovich, 38 years old. In my professional work, I often recommend using Silca Arctic White paste after clinical cleansing. It consolidates the resulting effect and restores the structure of tooth enamel.
Expensive
Many people think that the more expensive the better. Sometimes this is not far from the truth: some components are really expensive, but very effective, and therefore are valued at the proper level. If you want to join elite foreign products and try them for yourself, Doctor Zubastik will help you make a choice, which toothpaste whitens better?
| Name | Peculiarities | Price |
| WhiteWash NANO | The complex of Enamel Repair nanoparticles provides not only effective teeth whitening, but also gentle treatment of enamel. Xylitol has an antibacterial effect. Thanks to a new technique, the paste whitens the enamel without damaging it. | 2500 |
| Diamond glow Swiss Smile | A diamond smile is not an advertising ploy, but a direct indication of the composition of this paste, where the bleach is a diamond particle, which is so small that it does not damage the enamel, but carefully cleans it from plaque and stains. The safety of the composition is confirmed in the instructions, which recommend using the paste daily. | 4000 |
| Perfect White Black | This paste does the dirty work and doesn't disdain smokers. It was developed specifically for those who have a specific plaque on their teeth from cigarettes or coffee. In the composition we find activated carbon, which spares the enamel, but does a great job of cleaning plaque and age spots. Fluoride and calcium help support the enamel during the whitening period. | 800 |
