Why is peroxide in toothpaste

Your daily habits affect the appearance of your teeth and gums without you even realizing it. The foods and drinks we consume along with various substances take a toll on your smile without you even realizing it. You can clearly see what types of foods and drinks you enjoy just by the condition and tint of your teeth. Elmbrook Family Dental recommends enjoying these foods and beverages in moderation :.

It is also important to limit your alcohol and tobacco use although the best move for your overall and dental health is to quit them altogether. Teeth whitening has become more popular in recent years as more products come onto the market.

But many of these products can be quite expensive, leading people to look for cheaper remedies. The most affordable way to whiten teeth at home — and the remedy supported by the most significant body of research — is the main ingredient from most teeth-whitening products: hydrogen peroxide.

The amount of hydrogen peroxide in commercial whitening treatments varies and can be as much as 10 percent in some products. But studies suggest dilution is a good thing when it comes to using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening. Concentrations that are too strong can damage the enamel, or outer coating, of your teeth. In a study , scientists applied diluted hydrogen peroxide solutions of 10, 20, and 30 percent to human teeth that had been extracted for varying amounts of time.

They found that higher concentration solutions caused more damage to teeth, as did keeping the teeth in contact with hydrogen peroxide for a longer amount of time. This suggests that low-concentration treatments of hydrogen peroxide, applied for shorter periods, have the least potential to damage your teeth. According to a study , scientists found that a 5 percent hydrogen peroxide solution was just as effective as a 25 percent solution at whitening teeth.

But to achieve the same level of whiteness, one would need to whiten teeth with the 5 percent solution 12 times to get the same level of whitening as one time with the 25 percent solution. There are two ways: swishing it around your mouth, or mixing it with baking soda and setting it on your teeth as a paste before rinsing. This makes it a more effective teeth whitener for people with tough tooth stains, such as those caused by cigarettes.

The amount of hydrogen peroxide this product contains may make it uncomfortable for some people to use, especially those with sensitive teeth. Some users also report a burning sensation in their gums with extended use.

This toothpaste has an expiration date of 7 months, so be sure to check the label before you buy, especially if you buy in bulk. It contains fluoride for cavity protection, and acts as an effective breath freshener. Two formulations are available: cream or gel. The active ingredients in Sensodyne ProNamel Toothpaste are potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride.

It also contains silica for gentle whitening. This product is designed to gently scrub away stains, plus strengthen and harden tooth enamel.

It also protects against cavities. Traditional bracket braces may be harder to work with than removable aligners. This toothpaste is designed to penetrate deeply between teeth and under the gumline, so it may be more effective at whitening teeth with braces than some other types.

It also features a low-abrasion formula. The active whitening ingredients are baking soda and peroxide. It also contains fluoride for cavity prevention. Not every whitening toothpaste contains the ADA Seal. To check to see if a toothpaste has the seal, click here. Always look at the active and inactive ingredients listed on whitening toothpaste labels.

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