Key Ingredients In Teeth Whitening Products

Tooth whitening has become one of the most popular services in cosmetic dentistry. The most important ingredients in teeth whitening products are obviously the ones that remove the stains from your teeth. But not all whitening ingredients are created equal. And additional tooth-protecting ingredients can make one brand of whitener have clear advantages over another.

Here are some of the key ingredients in teeth whitening products:

Whitening: Peroxide

Peroxide is a key ingredient in most whitening products though the type of peroxide can vary. Carbamide peroxide is stronger than hydrogen peroxide because the former chemically breaks down to form the latter. A whitening product will list the percentage of peroxide present. It might seem like a good idea to go for the highest percentage of carbamide, but the higher strengths also come with more risk of tooth damage and gum sensitivity.

Whitening and Protection: Baking Soda and Sodium Polymetaphosphate

Over-the-counter whitening products often contain sodium bicarbonate – more commonly known as baking soda. As home cleaners worldwide can attest, baking soda is good for cleaning up stains due to its chemical nature and gentle abrasiveness. So its presence in whitening toothpastes isn't terribly surprising.

Baking powder is sometimes joined by sodium polymetaphosphate, which helps the toothpaste polish off the recently added stains. But this ingredient also offers a degree of added protection in that regular usage makes it harder for stains to adhere to the teeth.

Tooth Protection: Fluoride

Fluoride can either be included in the whitening formula or prescribed by your dentist for an after-whitening application. This common dental ingredient doesn't help whiten the teeth but does help improve the overall health of your mouth.

The fluoride can help get rid of any plaque bacteria and make it harder for the bacteria to return. Fluoride can also help dull the sensitivity of teeth and gums so that the whitening peroxide doesn't cause soreness. This makes fluoride a must-have ingredient for those approaching whitening with already sensitive teeth.

Added Bonus: Mint Flavoring

Mint flavoring doesn't serve any dental benefit during teeth whitening. But if you are sensitive to chemical tastes, you might opt to use a formula that has a heavy dose of flavoring included. The toothpaste or whitening tray still won't taste like a snack, but it can help the process not taste like holding a combination of pure peroxide and baking soda in your mouth.

Note that the strongest teeth whitening products will always come from your dentist so that's your first stop if you have serious staining. At-home kits and whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes can be used for minor staining or, better yet, to touch-up months or years after a dentist-provided whitening.

To learn more, contact a company like MyoTech Dental & Implant Center with any questions you have.

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