- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
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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.
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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. However, whitening toothpaste can't change the natural color of teeth or reverse discoloration caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during tooth development, penetrating surface stains or decay.
To remove surface stains, whitening toothpaste may include:
- Special abrasives that gently polish the teeth
- Chemicals, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, that help break down or dissolve stains
When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste typically takes two to four weeks to make teeth whiter. However, new research shows that whitening toothpaste containing the chemical blue covarine can make teeth appear immediately whiter. After use, blue covarine adheres to the surface of the teeth and creates an optical illusion that makes teeth appear less yellow.
Whitening toothpaste is generally safe for daily use, but excessive use might damage tooth enamel. 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 (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that the toothpaste is effective at removing surface stains and reducing tooth decay. If you're not satisfied with the effect of whitening toothpaste, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about more effective tooth whitening options.
Next questionDental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
- Whitening toothpastes. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2001;132:1146.
- ADA statement on the safety and effectiveness of tooth whitening products. American Dental Association. www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/whiten2.asp. Accessed Dec. 16, 2009.
- Collins LA, et al. Instant tooth whitening from a silica toothpaste containing blue covarine. Journal of Dentistry. 2008;36:s21.
- Sarrett DC. Tooth whitening today. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2002;133:1535.
- Wagner BJ. Whiter teeth, brighter smiles. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/downloads/sup_whitening.pdf. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Frequently asked questions. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/faqs/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2009.
- Ritter AV. Tooth-whitening toothpastes. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2002;14:256.
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