With the rising cost of living nudging professional teeth whitening out of many people's beauty budgets, it's no wonder whitening toothpaste has become a bathroom staple. Shows such as Love Island have also contributed to a nationwide dental obsession, thanks to the dazzling pearly-whites of the influencers who now dominate our screens.
What's more, this new-found appreciation for top-tier teeth has collided with a bit of a dental crisis. Over 90% of NHS practices across England aren’t accepting new adult patients, and the price of a hygienist appointment has sky rocketed. With this in mind, it’s more important than ever to take care of our teeth at home, which begins with proper brushing.
But do whitening toothpastes deliver on their promise to reverse discolouration and staining? We grilled cosmetic dentist Dr Krystyna Wilczynski, who provided us (and our teeth) with some much-needed answers…
What is the main cause of yellow teeth?
“Some of the most common causes of discoloured teeth are lifestyle habits," explains Dr Wilczynski. “These include eating and drinking foods that cause staining, such as red wine, coffee, tea, cola and curry." She adds that smoking is the biggest culprit for turning teeth yellow very quickly. "Certain foods and drinks high in acidity, such as berries, tomatoes, fruit juices and alcohol, can also soften the enamel and make your teeth more likely to pick up stains from other foods.”
Wilczynski stresses how important it is to brush your teeth morning and night, and have frequent hygienist appointments (every 6 months, ideally). “The dentine on your teeth absorbs food colour, and stains also latch onto plaque and tartar build up on and between teeth, as they find anchorage in crevices.” Which brings us back to the importance of a good teeth-transforming toothpaste.
Do whitening toothpastes actually work?
In a word, yes. They tend to be slightly abrasive, containing ingredients such as silica to scrub the surface of the teeth and deeply clean the outside layer. “Some also contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which are bleaching agents,” adds Wilczynski. “Although these will be at a very low level compared to professional whitening products, so safe for home use.”
Some whitening toothpastes also contains the chemical ‘blue covarine’, which adheres to the surface of the teeth and creates an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less yellow. Others are boosted by enzymes that help to gently break down plaque and staining.
Whichever whitening technology you reach for, Wilczynski recommends always choosing a toothpaste containing fluoride: "It's the essential ingredient for protecting and fighting against tooth decay.”
Are they safe for your teeth?
Yes. The majority of shop-bought, FDA-approved whitening toothpastes offer gentle yet effective results and should be suitable for most. But the health of everyone's teeth and gums varies greatly, so it's always advisable to speak to your dentist before investing in any new at-home dental care.
Is activated charcoal good for teeth whitening?
While many brands offer it, and some dentists recommend it, activated charcoal (which is known for “scrubbing” stains from the surface of the teeth) isn't endorsed by all dental professionals. “Activated charcoal can wear the enamel away, which is the hard-outer coating of the teeth that protects the dentine,” explains Dr Krystyna. “The bulk of our teeth are made up of dentine, which is naturally yellow in colour, whereas the enamel is naturally white. Therefore, if you use toothpaste that's too abrasive and wears the enamel away, it will become more translucent, causing the yellow dental to show through."
Can yellow teeth become white again?
Everyone's teeth are different, but while whitening toothpastes will never match the results of a professional treatment, they can make a huge difference for minimal cost. However, Wilczynski points out that genetics can play a role in the colour of your teeth, with some people having slightly thinner, transparent or weaker enamel. “If the enamel is weaker, it is much more susceptible to staining. There are also inherited conditions that can cause tooth discolouration, such as ‘amelogenesis imperfecta’and ‘dentinogenesis imperfecta’.”
Which toothpaste is best for teeth whitening?
When it comes to whitening toothpaste, you're spoilt for choice. Whether you go for a “scrubby” micro-particle-laced formula, dissolving enzymes, colour-enhancing blue covarine or low-level bleaching agents, a dedicated whitening toothpaste should start to make a difference within a few weeks.
We've rounded up GLAMOUR's tried-and-tested favourites…
