Magazine and TV ads inundate viewers with images of models whose teeth are beautifully straight and white. As a result, many people begin to wonder if they can achieve the same whiteness. These days, there are many at-home remedies, such as toothpastes with whitening agent. But, how effective are these toothpastes?    

What Makes Tooth Whitening Toothpaste Special?

The vast majority of people use some type of toothpaste on a daily basis as part of their normal oral hygiene routine. Now, many manufacturers are adding whitening to their brands. Some toothpastes contain more abrasive particles than others to help remove stains; some types contain peroxide, while some have stronger whitening agents aimed at achieving a deeper whiteness. However, it is worth noting that, although some whitening toothpastes are effective, none will do the task better than a dentist. Moreover, teeth whitening results will vary from one individual to another.      

Ingredients Commonly Found in Whitening Toothpastes

1. Abrasives. Many toothpaste brands contain abrasive ingredients, of which baking soda is one example.  Over time, this removes light staining and polishes the surfaces of the teeth, making them less discolored looking.
2. Blue covarine. Found in some whitening toothpastes, this chemical sticks to the teeth's surface to give the impression the teeth are whiter.
3. Hydrogen peroxide is an ingredient often found in whitening strips.  
4. Sodium hydroxide. Another commonly used ingredient for whitening the teeth.  
5. Sodium tripolyphosphate. Although the name is a bit of a mouthful, this is a chemical that is good at taking stains off tooth enamel.    

Where whitening toothpaste is used twice daily, it usually takes anything from two up until six weeks to lighten the color of teeth. However, where blue covarine is present, the effect is almost instant. 

People spend a considerable amount of money every year on toothpaste products. In a marketplace that is rapidly growing, there are many specialist types of toothpaste, with many specifically aimed at whitening the teeth. However, there is still a question as to how effective these toothpastes are. I

n general terms, they do work, but to varying degrees. Where teeth are so badly discolored that they are brown, a professional whitening service is, undoubtedly, better. This is because dentists have access to chemicals that are purpose-made for whitening teeth, while many toothpastes have low concentrations of whitening agents.

Don't get too disheartened if you don't find toothpaste entirely effective because these are best used in conjunction with the type of professional whitening services provided by a dentist. In any case, toothpaste is an inexpensive means of brightening a smile or maintaining an already bright smile.

No matter which method you choose, you should continue visiting your dentist for regular examinations and professional cleaning. During these visits, you can always discuss the best whitening options for your particular circumstances. Without doubt, there is sure to be a suitable method for whitening and brightening your smile.