There are many whitening claims being made by many brands of toothpastes on the market today. However, whitening toothpastes are generally completely ineffective at permanently whitening the teeth. They are simply not on the teeth long enough for any whitening agents to penetrate into the teeth.
Other toothpastes make claims of fighting bad breath. These usually have very effective ingredients that may either fight bad breath bacteria of neutralize the odors they produce or both.
Sensodyne makes claims of providing relief from tooth sensitivity. These claims are legitimate and there are a couple of formulas they produce, each of which provides relief with a different mechanism. Other brands have gotten into this market and contain the same effective ingredients.
Here is a list of pages on this website that contain extensive information about toothpastes and these claims by manufacturers:
- A general discussion about toothpastes for cosmetic dental bonding.
- Supersmile® toothpaste recommended for coffee and tobacco stains on teeth.
- Bad breath toothpaste has special anti-bacterial chemicals in it.
- There is also a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
- Supersmile® is the only toothpaste shown to keep Peridex antibacterial rinse from staining teeth.
- Supersmile® recommended for the care of porcelain veneers.
- Supersmile® recommended for care of composite bonding.
- Supersmile® toothpaste recommended after the teeth whitening procedure.
- Hal in Florida wonders what to do about stains on the backs of his teeth. A toothpaste may help.
- Advice on what to do about stained porcelain veneers—first try Supersmile® toothpaste.
Crest Whitestrips, however, do whiten the teeth a little. For more information about Whitestrips, click here.
Click here for information about other over-the-counter tooth whitening products.