The best whitening toothpastes: the dentist revealed the secret of a snow-white smile

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Colgate's toothpaste range is currently considered the most diverse of all toothpastes on the market. Among this variety you can find a remedy for any age and indication.

Colgate toothpastes are popular not only in our country, but throughout the world.

Description

Toothpastes with a whitening effect are produced by the Colgate-Palmolive brand in China and Poland. They are based on a unique enamel lightening formula that delicately removes darkening and plaque.

The products are produced in plastic tubes with an original design of 75 ml. Shelf life – 36 months.

Ingredients: water, glycerin, sodium fluoride, sodium carbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, silicon dioxide, methylparaben, monofluorophosphate, saccharin, plant extracts.

Composition of the product

The wide spectrum of action of Colgate toothpastes is due to the composition, which includes components that are varied in their action:

• hydrated silicon dioxide - an abrasive substance that cleans the enamel and covers it with a protective film that prevents bacteria from retaining on the surface;
• calcium carbonate is an abrasive component with an antacid effect that normalizes the acid-base balance of the oral cavity. Promotes saturation of enamel with calcium;
• aluminum oxide is a crystalline abrasive that controls the consistency of the product;
• sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant that cleans and polishes enamel;
• sodium monofluorophosphate is a remineralizing component that replenishes fluoride deficiency;
• triclosan is a drug with a pronounced antimicrobial effect;
• sorbitol – moisturizer;
• carrageenan is a natural thickener isolated from dried seaweed;
• sodium carbonate – a substance that controls acidity;
• sodium saccharinate - an artificial sugar substitute;
• PVM/MA copolymer – promotes the breakdown of plaque and prevents the formation of new plaque;
• methylparaben – a preservative with an antiseptic effect;
• plant extracts , with an effect aimed at removing bacteria, relieving inflammation, tissue regeneration;
• cocoamidopropyl betaine – a substance that helps cleanse enamel and form a stable, dense foam;
• dyes and flavorings.

A large number of components place increased demands on compliance with the shelf life, which must be kept in mind when purchasing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• gentle whitening;
• enamel protection;
• anti-caries effect;
• gum care;
• freshness of breath;
• possibility of frequent use;
• no side effects;
• commercial availability;
• democratic price.

Flaws:

• the presence of chemical components in the composition (SLS, preservatives, etc.);
• there are contraindications.

Kinds

The manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive offers several types of toothpastes with a whitening effect:

• Colgate Safe whitening - the formula does not include coarse abrasives, so stains are removed without harming the enamel. A delicate approach does not provoke increased sensitivity of dentin and other negative aspects.
• Colgate Safe whitening Care for gums - the description of the product corresponds to the characteristics noted above, in addition it takes care of the health of the gums. Toothpaste prevents the development of periodontal disease, gingivitis and other oral problems. Both Colgate Safe Whitening products can be used daily.
• Colgate Total 12 Professional cleansing (gel) – paste formula helps to achieve a radiant smile. Protects against bacteria for up to 12 hours, prevents caries, fights hypersensitivity and bad breath.
• Colgate Total 12 Professional whitening - the composition gently whitens and maintains oral health, promising help in solving dental problems.
• Colgate Total 12 Professional cleaning – removes plaque, leaving a feeling of long-lasting cleanliness and freshness. Fights gum inflammation and prevents caries.
• Colgate Ancient Secrets Safe whitening - the paste is based on natural ingredients: algae and sea salt. It was with their help that in China they achieved a naturally white smile. The minerals included in the composition protect against caries.
• Optic White Sparkling white – polishing paste particles safely whiten enamel. The product makes teeth a tone lighter within a week.
• Optic White Instant - during the cleaning process, the whitening granules are converted into blue foam, which gives a pronounced brightening effect from the first use of toothpaste. Prevents the deposition of tartar.
• Colgate MaxShine – a large number of whitening plates effectively lightens the enamel. Additionally, the products freshen breath and protect against caries.
• Complex whitening - contains polishing crystals that restore lost whiteness to your smile. Comprehensively fights oral problems.
• Triple action - the three-in-one formula removes dark spots, prevents caries and controls fresh breath.
• Gentle whitening - while successfully coping with the task of lightening the enamel, the product does not harm the health of the oral cavity. Strengthens and protects against caries.
• Propolis Whitening - whitens and helps maintain oral health. Has antimicrobial and calming effects. Freshens breath for a long time.

Instructions for use

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the norm for the average person. Despite experience, some people make mistakes in this simple procedure. How to brush your teeth correctly:

1. Apply a small amount of paste to the brush.
2. Start brushing from the front surface of the teeth with vertical pushing movements, then move to the inside. The molars are cleaned last, using circular movements.
3. At the end of the procedure, clean your tongue.

Important!

Despite the safety of Colgate toothpastes, experts do not recommend using products with a whitening effect for more than one month. After 4 weeks, you need to take a break to rest the enamel and brush your teeth with a toothpaste without abrasives for 2 months.

Contraindications and side effects

It is not recommended to use Colgate whitening pastes in the following cases:

• hypersensitivity to products;
• children under 12 years of age;
• multiple caries;
• serious gum problems;
• pathological abrasion of enamel;
• hyperesthesia or increased sensitivity of teeth.

On a note!

Before using Colgate toothpaste with whitening effect, it is recommended to first consult a doctor.

There are practically no side effects when using the product. Sometimes cases of allergic reactions are recorded.

Using whitening toothpaste

Many people are interested in the question of how often you can use whitening toothpaste. As the doctor told us, it all depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

“There are whitening pastes that can really be used every day, and there are also those that are recommended to be used no more than once a week. Therefore, it is very important to read the instructions and pay attention to the recommendations indicated in it,” the dentist emphasized.

The doctor recommended that people with hypersensitive teeth completely abandon the use of whitening toothpastes in favor of products that have anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Reviews

Colgate whitening toothpastes are popular among customers. Most reviews indicate that after the course the dentition becomes 1-2 shades lighter.

I bought Colgate whitening because the whiteness of my smile is far from ideal. I didn’t really believe in a positive outcome, but after the first days of use, the result began to appear. The paste has a pleasant smell and taste, freshens breath, teeth stay clean longer and gradually become whiter. I recommend to everyone.

Lyudmila, Moscow

I often buy toothpastes with whitening functions, because I want to show off my smile and not hide it. Colgate Complex Whitening paste copes with its task: teeth actually become lighter, less plaque accumulates, plus protection against caries. The result was noticed not only by me, but also by my loved ones. I recommend it.

Tatiana, Vladimir

How does whitening toothpaste work?

All manufacturers of modern toothpastes shout about the effectiveness of their products. However, not every paste will be truly effective and, most importantly, safe. To begin with, the doctor decided to immediately dispel the myth about bleaching.

“Only a dentist can whiten teeth efficiently and safely using a special whitening system. This procedure makes it possible to make not only the tooth enamel white, but also the dentin (the inner part of the tooth, the tissue located under the enamel). In turn, toothpastes only help remove plaque and polish teeth, without having a whitening effect on deeper tissues,” the doctor explained.

Federal News Agency /

And yet it cannot be denied that such toothpastes are beneficial and clean teeth well. Why do whitening toothpastes have such an effect? As a rule, they contain one of three active ingredients:

• soft abrasives - such substances have a gentle effect, carefully cleansing the enamel of impurities and polishing it, giving teeth a natural shine. Such substances include magnesium carbonate, hydrated alumina, calcium carbonate;
• hydrogen peroxide - don’t be scared, because this is a very weak solution. Yes, in professional whitening products the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is much higher, but in pastes for home use its content is within the safe range. Such toothpastes really effectively clean teeth, making them smooth and brighter. In addition, it is worth adding that most of them are suitable for daily use;
• Carbamide peroxide is a substance that, when decomposed, releases the already familiar hydrogen peroxide, as well as urea. According to recent studies, such pastes best clean enamel due to high rates of penetration into the upper layers of the tooth. Our doctor noted that the effect of cleansing with such pastes can be easily compared with the result obtained from pastes with hydrogen peroxide;
• sodium hexametaphosphate - pastes containing it effectively remove not only plaque and stains from tooth enamel, but also fight well against the formation of tartar, which often causes various gum diseases;
• abrasive enzymes - after eating, these substances break down food residues on the enamel and effectively polish the teeth.

“The selection of toothpaste is always very individual. It all depends on the patient’s lifestyle, the presence of bad habits, his diet and the composition of saliva. Sometimes patients come to me asking why a certain toothpaste helped their friends or relatives get a snow-white smile, but it had no effect on their teeth. The answer here is simple - it is not suitable for the patient. Therefore, many try several toothpastes before finding their ideal option,” the doctor shared a case from her practice.

Photo from the personal archive of Elena Bobkova /

Analogs

Pastes with whitening effect from other manufacturers:

• Lacalut White is an enhanced action toothpaste. Abrasive substances have a spherical shape, effectively whitening teeth without damaging the enamel. The product prevents the development of caries and gum inflammation, reduces the symptoms of hyperesthesia. Cost 225 rubles.
• President White Plus is an effective product that has some limitations in use: it can be used once a week. The base includes coarse abrasives that effectively remove both soft and hard plaque, but are unsafe for enamel. Cost 229 rubles.

Several nuances of whitening with toothpaste

In a conversation with our publication, the doctor also added that the speed of cleansing, and therefore enamel whitening, directly depends on the composition of the paste. For example, after using a paste with hydrogen peroxide, the result will not be long in coming. Soft abrasives will take longer to rid your teeth of plaque and surface stains.

She also advised against cheap whitening pastes, since they only harm the teeth, scratching the enamel and gradually thinning it. The fact is that their composition, as a rule, includes chalk or soda. They react very quickly with other components and neutralize all beneficial properties.

As it turns out, whitening toothpastes actually brighten teeth, making the enamel cleaner. But before you decide to do home whitening yourself, it is better to consult a dentist. He will not only be able to give useful recommendations, but will also monitor the condition of tooth enamel.