Good Lifestyle

What we eat has a remarkable effect on the health of our teeth and oral cavity in general. Some foods or drinks can cause bad breath and stain your teeth. A periodic cleaning from the dentist certainly can help remove stains in a more professional way, but taking care daily and using whitening toothpastes is very useful for always having a white and bright smile. But what are the side effects? Whitening toothpastes certainly promise more white teeth, but is it always safe to use them?

What is a whitening toothpaste?

Whitening toothpaste is a type of toothpaste created specifically to remove surface spots from the teeth, making their natural white re -emerge, improving the general aspect of the whole mouth. It is a product that acts above all on the inline caused by food, drinks and smoking. A whitening toothpaste can help remove spots from the teeth and improve their appearance.

How do they work?

What makes effective bleaching toothpastes is generally a combination of chemical agents. Among the ingredients of these toothpastes are often lightened abrasives such as silica, calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate that help to remove surface spots without damaging the enamel, useful for making the teeth smoothed and making them look more white. Others, on the other hand, contain whitening such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which remove the spots of the teeth chemically. These substances are able to penetrate the nail polish and interact with the compounds that cause them. Still others use enzymes, such as bromeline.

What are the possible side effects?

The daily and prolonged use of whitening toothpastes can have some side effects. The most common ones concern the sensitivity of the teeth, the irritable gums and the erosion of the enamel. The substances used in whitening toothpastes can cause greater sensitivity to the teeth, which certainly exists when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.

Sometimes whitening toothpastes, to lighten the color of the teeth of one or two shades, can change the mineral content of the teeth. And by changing the consistency of the surface of the teeth it can happen that the micro -grade of the enamel is reduced. And if the nail polish he erode increases the risk of caries and dental sensitivity.

There is a value to estimate the abrasiveness of a toothpaste that is measured on a scale from 0 to over 200. From 0 to 70 you have a low abrasiveness, so the product can be used for a long period. From 70 to 100 there is an average abrasiveness. From 100 to 150 there is a high abrasiveness, very effective against spots, but it is a product to be used with caution. From 150 to over 200, abrasiveness is very high and usually it is products to be used under medical supervision.

How to minimize the side effects of a whitening toothpaste?

To minimize the side effects of whitening toothpaste, it is sufficient to follow small and simple rules. It is important to use it only when it is necessary or for short periods, especially if you choose a product with high abrasiveness. It is good to alternate whitening toothpaste with normal fluorine toothpaste. Use a brush with soft bristles and do not exercise excessive force during brushing.

For those who are totally not recommended?

There are some people for whom the use of whitening toothpaste is not recommended. People who already suffer from dental sensitivity can warn greater discomfort. The same goes for those suffering from gingivitis or other paradontal diseases. Even children under 10 should avoid bleaching toothpastes, both for the risk that they run to damage the enamel both for the possibility of ingesting abrasive particles or chemicals.

The use of whitening toothpastes is therefore safe, but you have to use it sparingly, paying attention to your particular needs.