Battling the myths

Although teeth whitening has become one of the most sought after cosmetic dental treatments requested by patients, not everyone will want to splash their cash on expensive treatments. By the same token, many patients are also dubious about whitening toothpastes. This article aims to answer some of the myths your patients might believe about specialist whitening toothpastes.

Ineffective

In late 2012, whitening toothpastes came under scrutiny when Arm & Hammer’s Advanced Whitening toothpaste advertisements were banned after it emerged that 43 per cent of users, during a four-week trial, either saw no improvement or were left with darker teeth. By association, many patients assume that all whitening toothpastes do not live up to their claims.

It is important that the effective toothpastes available, which are clinically proven to work, are brought to your patients’ attention. These products should contain ingredients such as the stain-dissolving agent, pentasodium triphosphate and anti-tartar ingredient, tetrasodium pyrophosphate.