Whitening toothpastes whiten the teeth by removing stains by physical or chemical mechanisms 

Physical mechanism: physical abrasives mechanically remove surface stains. 

Active Ingredients include:

• hydrated silicas

• calcium carbonate

• sodium bicarbonate

• Alumina

• phosphate salts2

Chemical mechanism: Chemical agents are used that bleach the tooth’s surface structures. 

Active ingredients include:

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Carbamide peroxide

• Papain1

Instructions for Use

• Use the toothpaste as directed on the packaging instructions

• Avoid brushing too rough as whitening toothpastes are already abrasive on teeth

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush to reduce damage to the enamel and gums

• Do not brush more than twice a day for longer than 2 minutes3

• Do not rinse after brushing. Rinsing washes away some of the active ingredients that stay on your teeth, reducing the effectiveness of the chemical whitening agents

Advantages

• Whiter and brighter smile

• Prevent buildup of stains 

Disadvantages

• Tooth sensitivity due to hydrogen peroxide

• Damage to the enamel caused by abrasives and brushing too hard, this can also lead to tooth sensitivity

• Whitening toothpastes do not remove intrinsic stains caused by aging and tooth decay3

Sensitivity toothpastes are therapeutic toothpastes that decrease the sensitivity of the teeth. 

Active ingredients include:

• Stannous Fluoride: fills in opened dentin tubules with stannous fluoride to create a protective shield around the dentin to protect the nerves from external stimuli4

• Potassium Nitrate: acts as a desensitizing agent to reduce the reaction of the nerves to stimuli1

Instructions for Use

• Brush for at least 2 minutes, 2 times a day or more

• Brush towards the gum line as teeth may be most sensitive in areas of recession

• Do not rinse after brushing as rinsing washes away some of the active ingredients on your teeth, reducing the effectiveness4

Advantages

• Relieves pain

• Strengthens teeth

Disadvantages

• Does not fix the initial cause of tooth sensitivity such as cavities, gum disease, and erosion

• Can take up to 3-4 weeks to show results5

Cavity Prevention Toothpastes include agents that reduce the risk of tooth decay. The ADA (American Dental Association) only gives its seal of acceptance to toothpaste containing Fluoride snce it has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of cavities.2

Active Ingredients include:

• Sodium Fluoride: Helps to remineralize the enamel, decreasing the risk of caries2

• Stannous Fluoride: Helps to remineralize the enamel as well reduces plaque and gingivitis1

Instructions on Use

• Brush teeth after meals or at least twice a day for 2 minutes

• Do not Swallow

• Use a pea-sized amount for children under 6 years old to prevent swallowing

• For children under 2 years old, consult a dentist before use6

Advantages

• Prevents tooth decay (cavities)

• Increases bone density of teeth and bones

Disadvantages

• Risk of dental fluorosis in children under 6 years old5

Tartar control toothpastes prevent the plaque bacteria in our teeth from mineralizing into its hardened form: tartar (calculus) which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Active ingredients include:

• Soluble pyrophosphates: crystal growth inhibitors that slow the formation of tartar1

• Zinc Citrate/Zinc Chloride: antibacterial agents that fight the bacteria that forms plaque

Instructions on use

• Brush teeth twice a day for 2 minutes

• Hold toothbrush at a 45° angle towards the gum and brush with gentle, short, circular motions

• Brush the tongue which can also harbor plaque bacteria7 

Advantages

• Prevents tartar and stain build up

• Prevents bad breath

• Prevents gingivitis, 

• Prevents gum disease 

• Prevents cavities 

• Prevents enamel erosion8 

Disadvantages

• Will not remove old tartar build up5

Charcoal toothpastes are often marketed as natural toothpaste alternatives that contain activated charcoal. Most of these toothpastes claim to whiten teeth, freshen breath, and remove stains.

Active Ingredients include:

• Some charcoal toothpastes contain sodium fluoride: Many charcoal toothpastes do not include fluoride and many include lower levels of this anticaries agent

• Activated charcoal: an abrasive powder that mechanically removes surface stains by wearing away at the tooth structures

  • The absorptive property of charcoal deactivates Fluoride, rendering any added Fluoride ineffective and thus increasing the risk of tooth decay

Instructions for Use

• Use sparingly. Charcoal toothpaste is highly abrasive and can wear away at the tooth structures 

• Brush gently to minimize abrasion

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush

• Do not use for a extended period of time

Advantages:

• May be effective at reducing bad breath

• May remove surface stains

Disadvantages:

• Can lead to dental erosion

• Can wear away at the enamel revealing the dentin which can cause a yellowing of the teeth

• Can lead to tooth sensitivity

• Increase risk of tooth decay due to lack of fluoride. Charcoal inactivates fluoride reducing its effect on teeth

• Carcinogenic due to crystalline silica abrasive commonly used

• Can interfere with the absorption of medications and birth control

• Not ADA or FDA approved9