Toothpastes: Think they whiten? Think again

[hegemony]

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-...hpaste_ov_1.htm

[invisible assistant]

most people don't realize that whitening toothpastes really are only designed to remove surface stains like coffee, tea and nicotine stains. they contain abrasives like the hygienists at dentists offices use... but just a smaller amount added to the toothpaste. being in the field and trying those products, i wouldn't spend the extra money on them, but then again i'm not a coffee or tea drinker and i'm not a smoker.

 

if whitening is needed, something like Crest WhiteStrips is better... or even better than that, a visit to a dentist.

[Storm897]

most people don't realize that whitening toothpastes really are only designed to remove surface stains like coffee, tea and nicotine stains. they contain abrasives like the hygienists at dentists offices use... but just a smaller amount added to the toothpaste. being in the field and trying those products, i wouldn't spend the extra money on them, but then again i'm not a coffee or tea drinker and i'm not a smoker.

 

if whitening is needed, something like Crest WhiteStrips is better... or even better than that, a visit to a dentist.

 

My brother bought the carbomide peroxide gel the Dentists use from ebay along with the mouth trays.

 

Once he finished you could see it certainly worked. His teeth are white now.

[GolfNut]

I saw a consumer reports segment on fox saying that the OTC white strips are almost as effective as the dentist trays but cost a lot less...

[Guitar Josh]

Even better! Here is a great first post.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

You can buy almost anywhere for less than a dollar a bottle.

 

Take a capful, and hold it in your mouth for approximately 2-5 minutes. I normally do this in the morning when I get in the shower. It'll bubble up a bit. It's not that bad of a taste. It'll whiten your teeth fairly quickly (look at the ingredients of Ionic White $50. It's just Hydrogen peroxide, water, and flavoring).

 

I bought Ionic White system about a year ago (i'm a smoker) and it worked really well. I noticed results which stayed for quite awhile. I had a case of perodontia (advanced gingevitis, recess of gums, bleeding when brushing). I decided to do some research about 3 weeks ago to see if there was something OTC that could help w/o having to pay the dentist bill. After research, I found out about HP.

 

I only figured it would help stop the bleeding. When I tried it, I noticed it had a VERY familiar taste. I looked at the Ionic White system. How surprised I was that I paid $50 for .25 worth of hydrogen peroxide. Now, three weeks later of using this method once (occasionally twice) a day. (Brush your teeth after you get out of the shower).

 

No more bleeding gums, AT ALL! I have noticed about 4 shades whiter teeth and also an AMAZING decrease in the amount of plague (in those hard to reach places). And the GREATEST part, my gums are starting to go back to looking much like they did before I ever smoked.

 

Research it. Hydrogen Peroxide is some amazing stuff and has MANY uses I'd have never known about.

[gregcjackson]

Baking Soda and HP mixed was my homemade toothpaste in the old days.

[flygirrll]

I've used Ultrabrite for about 10 years now. It does work well.

[Ocean]

I saw a consumer reports segment on fox saying that the OTC white strips are almost as effective as the dentist trays but cost a lot less...

 

 

Tried the strips couple of years ago....burned my gums and caused sores.....havent used them since...

[lilac]

I saw a consumer reports segment on fox saying that the OTC white strips are almost as effective as the dentist trays but cost a lot less...

 

 

Tried the strips couple of years ago....burned my gums and caused sores.....havent used them since...

 

I tried those too. Gave me sore gums and super sensitive teeth. I would never use them again.

[Ocean]

I saw a consumer reports segment on fox saying that the OTC white strips are almost as effective as the dentist trays but cost a lot less...

 

 

Tried the strips couple of years ago....burned my gums and caused sores.....havent used them since...

 

I tried those too. Gave me sore gums and super sensitive teeth. I would never use them again.

 

 

I tossed them that day...

[Guitar Josh]

White strips did the same to me. Really not worth it if you ask me.

[hancock]

Guitar Josh,,,,,,,, You should not rinse your mouth with peroxide every day. It will eventually cause you to grow "black hair" on your tongue.. It kills some of the friedly bacteria. The bottle fails to tell you it should be an occassdional remedy.

[Ocean]

Guitar Josh,,,,,,,, You should not rinse your mouth with peroxide every day. It will eventually cause you to grow "black hair" on your tongue.. It kills some of the friedly bacteria. The bottle fails to tell you it should be an occassdional remedy.

 

 

what?????

[Guitar Josh]

Guitar Josh,,,,,,,, You should not rinse your mouth with peroxide every day. It will eventually cause you to grow "black hair" on your tongue.. It kills some of the friedly bacteria. The bottle fails to tell you it should be an occassdional remedy.

 

 

what?????

 

my thoughts exactly. Where did you hear this?

[Ocean]

Guitar Josh,,,,,,,, You should not rinse your mouth with peroxide every day. It will eventually cause you to grow "black hair" on your tongue.. It kills some of the friedly bacteria. The bottle fails to tell you it should be an occassdional remedy.

 

 

what?????

 

my thoughts exactly. Where did you hear this?

 

I never heard that..... it does kill any bacteria.....but it does make your teeth some what white...

[Blue Eyed Cat]

I have sensitive teeth and my dentist specifically told me to avoid anything that said "whitening". I tried a whitener a couple of years ago and my teeth became very sensitive.

[Ocean]

I have sensitive teeth and my dentist specifically told me to avoid anything that said "whitening". I tried a whitener a couple of years ago and my teeth became very sensitive.

 

 

I have sensitive teeth as well.....peroxide has never affected me to make my teeth more or less sensitive... But as for others....with sensitive teeth....I maybe different...

 

 

BTW. Here we are talking about toothpaste and peroxide on a Saturday afternoon!!!!

[invisible assistant]

Guitar Josh,,,,,,,, You should not rinse your mouth with peroxide every day. It will eventually cause you to grow "black hair" on your tongue.. It kills some of the friedly bacteria. The bottle fails to tell you it should be an occassdional remedy.

 

 

what?????

 

 

hancock may not have come back to answer that question but they are right on... "black hairy tongue" is actually a dental problem caused by overgrowth of bacteria. here's a link to Mayo Clinic's site that talks about it... in case anyone is interested. Black Hairy Tongue

[hancock]

It is true, Black hairy tongue, I heard about it in Dental Hygiene school, I have only seen it once. It is the grossest thing I have ever seen in someone's mouth.

[Guitar Josh]

And I thought all I had to worry about was hairy palms.

 

That's interesting. I actually didn't read about it on the bottle (though, it does make mention). Thank you for this bit of information. I have slacked back a bit, keeping it to every other two days. I've not noticed any "hair growth" as of yet.

 

I know people that have used this trick daily for years and never developed "black hairy tongue". Possibly certain variables have to be in place for this to happen? I'd hate to have to start shaving my tongue, too.

[Pam]

Interesting that one of the things that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of black hairy tongue caused by using peroxide too frequently is.... rinsing with peroxide.

 

Some tips for removing the discoloration include:

 

* Gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush twice a day.

* Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide (one part peroxide to five parts water) or apply it with a toothbrush. Rinse out your mouth afterward.

 

If this doesn't resolve the problem, consult your dentist or doctor. If the discoloration is due to bacterial overgrowth, antibiotics may be prescribed.

 

Other causes of tongue discoloration include:

 

* Medications containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol

* Regular use of mouthwashes containing oxidizing agents, such as peroxide, or astringent agents, such as witch hazel or menthol

* Tobacco use

* Drinking excessive amounts of coffee or tea

[Meesh]

Even better! Here is a great first post.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide 3%

You can buy almost anywhere for less than a dollar a bottle.

 

Take a capful, and hold it in your mouth for approximately 2-5 minutes. I normally do this in the morning when I get in the shower. It'll bubble up a bit. It's not that bad of a taste. It'll whiten your teeth fairly quickly (look at the ingredients of Ionic White $50. It's just Hydrogen peroxide, water, and flavoring).

 

I bought Ionic White system about a year ago (i'm a smoker) and it worked really well. I noticed results which stayed for quite awhile. I had a case of perodontia (advanced gingevitis, recess of gums, bleeding when brushing). I decided to do some research about 3 weeks ago to see if there was something OTC that could help w/o having to pay the dentist bill. After research, I found out about HP.

 

I only figured it would help stop the bleeding. When I tried it, I noticed it had a VERY familiar taste. I looked at the Ionic White system. How surprised I was that I paid $50 for .25 worth of hydrogen peroxide. Now, three weeks later of using this method once (occasionally twice) a day. (Brush your teeth after you get out of the shower).

 

No more bleeding gums, AT ALL! I have noticed about 4 shades whiter teeth and also an AMAZING decrease in the amount of plague (in those hard to reach places). And the GREATEST part, my gums are starting to go back to looking much like they did before I ever smoked.

 

Research it. Hydrogen Peroxide is some amazing stuff and has MANY uses I'd have never known about.

 

WOW! You've sold me!! LOL I have used the Crest Whitestrips before and they KILLED me! It hurt so bad, I had to stop using them. I was just about to buy that Listerine Whitening rinse, but at $6 a bottle I may go for the Hydrogen Peroxide

[cinderella]

Guitar Josh,,,,,,,, You should not rinse your mouth with peroxide every day. It will eventually cause you to grow "black hair" on your tongue.. It kills some of the friedly bacteria. The bottle fails to tell you it should be an occassdional remedy.

 

I don't about Hydrogen peroxide causing hairy tongue??

 

 

However, if you have any silver in your, i.e. mercury fillings, mercury crowns, do not use hydrogen peroxide in your mouth. The peroxide reacts with the mercury and emits a toxic and harmful vapor.