- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Alan B. Carr, D.M.D.
Dr. Alan B. Carr, Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, is a consultant in the Division of Prosthodontics and a professor of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Carr, a native of Hattiesburg, MS., received his prosthodontics training at Mayo. Following his training he has was an assistant professor at Marquette University and then became a full professor at Ohio State University where his clinical duties included Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the James Cancer Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 2000.
Dr. Carr is board certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He served in the Air Force and has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. He also is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. He has made dozens of international and national presentations, and is author of a dental textbook.
His clinical practice focuses on combined prosthodontics and reconstruction of patients with disabling oral conditions. His research interests include oral and craniofacial endosseous implants, tobacco cessation, and the impact of oral health on general health, especially for patients with chronic illness and the elderly.
Staying healthy (12)
- Will an air purifier eliminate cigarette smoke?
- Cellphones and cancer: What's the risk?
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- see all in Staying healthy
Dental care (7)
- When to brush your teeth
- Whitening toothpaste: Does it whiten teeth?
- Heart disease prevention: Does oral health matter?
- see all in Dental care
Skin care (9)
- Does sunscreen expire?
- Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
- Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm natural nails?
- Split fingernails: Can they be prevented?
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
- Eye exam: Is a laser retina scan worthwhile?
Sleep (7)
- How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
- Sleep and weight gain: What's the connection?
- see all in Sleep
Mental health (2)
- Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
- Passive-aggressive behavior: What are the red flags?
Healthy at work (4)
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- see all in Healthy at work
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Whitening toothpaste: Does it whiten teeth?
Does whitening toothpaste actually whiten teeth?
Answer
from Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Whitening toothpaste can whiten teeth slightly by removing surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or smoking. Whitening toothpaste can also be used after a bleaching treatment to help maintain results.
To remove surface stains, whitening toothpaste typically includes:
- Special abrasives that gently polish the teeth
- Chemicals that help break down or dissolve stains
Some whitening toothpastes contain the chemical blue covarine, which adheres to the surface of the teeth and creates an optical illusion that can make teeth appear less yellow.
When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste can take from two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpaste that contains blue covarine can have an immediate effect.
Although whitening toothpaste is generally safe for daily use, be careful to follow manufacturer recommendations. Excessive use of whitening toothpaste can damage your tooth enamel over time.
Keep in mind that whitening toothpaste can't change the natural color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than a tooth's surface.
If you're considering using a whitening toothpaste, look for a brand that has a seal of approval from a reputable dental organization — such as the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This seal indicates that the toothpaste is effective at removing surface stains.
If you're not satisfied with the effect of whitening toothpaste, ask your dentist or dental hygienist about other tooth whitening options — such as over-the-counter or professional bleaching products.
Next questionHeart disease prevention: Does oral health matter?
- Statement on the safety and effectiveness of tooth whitening products. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/1902.aspx. Accessed Jan. 22, 2013.
- Joiner A. Whitening toothpastes: A review of the literature. Journal of Dentistry. 2010;38:e17.
- Schemehorn BR, et al. Abrasion, polishing, and stain removal characteristics of various commercial dentifrices in vitro. The Journal of Clinical Dentistry. 2011;22:11.
- Torres C, et al. Efficacy of mouth rinses and toothpaste on tooth whitening. Operative Dentistry. 2013;38:57.
Find Mayo Clinic on