These days, you don’t have to go far to find teeth whitening products. With hundreds of whitening strips, gels, DIY trays, and even whitening pens, it isn’t always easy to know what is best for your level of staining. Here is a little more information about the difference between whitening toothpaste and strips, and which might work better for you. 

Whitening Toothpaste

There are two major types of teeth staining: intrinsic and extrinsic. While intrinsic stains are discolorations that have seeped through the dental enamel, extrinsic stains are on the surface of the teeth. The goal of whitening toothpaste is to correct extrinsic staining by using mild abrasives, and sometimes, lightening agents like peroxide.

When a toothpaste is used, it gently buffs away surface stains, leaving behind a whiter smile. While whitening toothpaste can be effective for people with some plaque and tartar buildup, you shouldn’t use it if you tend to brush aggressively, or if you have gum recession. Additionally, whitening toothpaste won’t help if most of your staining is intrinsic. 

Whitening Strips

On the other hand, teeth whitening strips are designed with pre-laid gel mats covered in peroxides that can seep deeper into your dental enamel. These peroxides create a chemical reaction in the teeth that releases the small tubules present in the dental enamel, allowing the whitening solution to sink further into the tooth to lighten internal staining. Although whitening strips can cause sensitivity, they are incredibly effective at lightening difficult staining. 

Before you try any kind of teeth whitening on your own, remember to stop by the office of Charles P. Debbane, DDS and Laura M. Arnold, DDS for a routine exam and cleaning. In addition to helping you to remove plaque and tartar deposits that could interfere with whitening, exams can help you to avoid whitening damaged dental areas, preventing pain. To learn more about whitening your teeth safely and efficiently, visit the website or call (513) 887-6654.