Many dental patients experience some insecurity about the appearance of their smile, which is why teeth whitening has been one of the most popular professional dental services for years. But, before patients make their way into the office, they may consider attempting at-home whitening options, including using whitening toothpaste.

While whitening toothpaste is popular, you may wonder whether smokers toothpaste, designed to lift tough stains, does a better job whitening your teeth. In this blog, we’ll help you understand the key differences between these two products and whether smokers toothpaste can provide the best at-home whitening results. 

What is Smokers Toothpaste?

Smokers toothpaste is a product specifically designed to combat the tough stains left behind by consistent tobacco use. The active ingredients in this toothpaste are often far more abrasive than standard toothpaste, helping scrub away the discoloration caused by the nicotine and tar in your cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and chewing tobacco. 

Some smokers toothpaste on the market contains active ingredients like charcoal and other stain-lifting agents. Not only are these ingredients designed to brighten your teeth, but they also freshen your breath. No matter why they choose to use it, this toothpaste is a great way for smokers to address major oral and dental concerns. 

How Does Whitening Toothpaste Work? 

Similar to smokers toothpaste, whitening toothpaste is designed to remove tough surface stains and prevent the formation of new stains. Whitening toothpastes include some mildly abrasive ingredients, like hydrated silica and aluminum oxide, to break down stains from foods, drinks, and tobacco use while polishing your teeth. 

Some other whitening products on the market contain chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These ingredients are capable of slowing lightening the color of your teeth over time. However, this toothpaste does not contain the same level of bleaching agents as professional whitening products and treatments. 

Does Whitening Toothpaste Actually Whiten Teeth?

If you’ve been considering whitening your teeth, you may find yourself gravitating toward whitening toothpaste. But are these products strong enough to whiten your teeth? While whitening toothpaste can help you address surface stains, it cannot penetrate deep into your enamel like professional whitening treatments. 

If you are looking for dramatic results, whitening toothpaste alone may not be strong enough to provide the look you’re aiming for. For dental patients who want a bright, white smile, it is best to use whitening toothpaste in conjunction with professional whitening treatments to achieve and maintain a whiter smile. 

Can Smokers Toothpaste Whiten Your Teeth? 

While whitening toothpaste may not be strong enough to provide the results you’re hoping for, you may wonder whether smokers toothpaste can. Smokers toothpaste can be more effective at removing some tough stains on your teeth, especially if tobacco use causes these stains due to its stronger abrasive properties. 

However, this toothpaste may not be capable of making your teeth significantly whiter than their natural color. In some cases, the abrasiveness of smokers toothpaste can lead to enamel wear over time. With the loss of enamel, your teeth may look yellower than before as the dentin beneath your enamel is exposed. 

Ultimately, if you’re looking to whiten your teeth, a toothpaste may not be the right path forward. While these products do a good job of helping you maintain the whiteness of your teeth, they may not be able to whiten your teeth as much as you’d like. Instead of relying on toothpaste for whitening, there are several other options you may want to consider. 

Other Teeth Whitening Options

For patients who want to whiten their teeth, their are a few other, far more reliable ways to whiten your teeth. The most popular teeth whitening options include: 

• Professional Teeth Whitening: Investing in professional whitening treatments is the best way to brighten your teeth. These treatments use professional-grade bleaching agents, providing more noticeable results than over-the-counter whitening products. 
• Whitening Strips: For people who want to whiten their teeth at home, whitening strips are the way to go. These peroxide-based products can lighten your teeth more efficiently than if you used just toothpaste. 
• Whitening Mouthwash: If you are close to achieving your whitening goals, incorporating a whitening mouthwash into your everyday oral hygiene routine may be a good way to lift any remaining stains and maintain results. 
• Natural Options: Some natural options, like charcoal, baking soda, and oil pulling, are some home remedies that may reduce staining. It is important to note, though, that little scientific evidence supports the claim that these products can sufficiently whiten your teeth. 

Achieve Your Brightest, Whitest Smile 

Ultimately, if you want a brighter, whiter smile, your best choice will always be professional dental treatments. Toothpaste cannot reach the stains embedded deep within your enamel, leaving you dreaming of a whiter smile. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team to help you achieve your dream smile in the Brigham City, Utah, area, turn to Jenson Dental for support. 

Since 1964, the Jenson Dental team has provided the most comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services to patients across the area. Whether you want to whiten your teeth or you’re considering veneers, our team does it all. With our support, you can reach the smile of your dreams. 

If you’d like to schedule a teeth whitening appointment or have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today for support. 

While tobacco use in the United States has been trending downward since the 1960s, use among young adults and children is on the rise again. As e-cigarettes become more easily accessible and appealing to younger adults, the use of tobacco products among individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 continues to increase. 

While newer e-cigarette products can help individuals avoid the lingering smell of smoke, these tobacco products still have an incredibly detrimental effect on your oral health. If you have used tobacco in the past or are an active smoker, keep reading to learn more about how it may be harming your oral health. 

Understanding Tobacco 

For over 12,000 years, people across the globe have consumed tobacco products. This crop was discovered by the Mesoamerican people and was brought to Europe in the late 1400s. Tobacco use reached its peak in the mid-1900s before it became less popular among adults due to its adverse health effects, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

While tobacco use was once falling, it has recently become more popular, especially among teenagers, as e-cigarette devices have become more easily accessible. But, tobacco products continue to be a threat to the health of everyone who uses them. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco products are responsible for the death of 8 million people each year. 

But what about these products makes them so bad for you? Tobacco directly damages your airway and the air sacs in your lungs. This damage occurs as tobacco products expose your tissues to toxic chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and at least 60 known harmful carcinogens. 

The damage caused by tobacco isn’t exclusive to your lungs and airway, though. Tobacco products can also damage your skin, lead to fertility problems, delay wound healing, and increase your risk of stroke. Even using these products once can have detrimental and long-term effects on your health. 

How Do Tobacco Products Impact Your Oral Health? 

Because tobacco products are consumed orally, your teeth, gums, and the tissue in your mouth are directly affected by your use. But how exactly does it impact your oral health? One of the first changes people notice after using tobacco products is the impact on the color of your teeth. The tar in cigarettes stains your teeth, turning them yellow or brown. 

However, the impact is much more significant than the appearance of your teeth. Individuals who use tobacco products are more likely to experience tooth decay and cavities. One additional problem smokers may face is an increased risk of tartar development. This hardened plaque is impossible to remove without dental intervention. 

Tobacco can also irritate your gums, leading to increased bleeding while brushing and flossing. Smokers are also at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, which can result in tooth loss, tissue damage, and bone loss. In its most advanced stages, periodontal disease is irreversible, making early treatment essential. 

Finally, many people who use tobacco find themselves experiencing chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. No matter what tobacco product you use, it has an incredibly negative effect on your oral health, making it essential that you limit or discontinue your use as soon as possible. 

How to Protect Your Teeth While Consuming Tobacco

If you are still consuming tobacco, there are a few things you must do to protect your teeth and gums from harmful ailments. The most important thing you can do to protect your teeth is brush and floss every day. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, or more frequently if you’re experiencing halitosis, and floss at least once daily. 

One other oral hygiene step you should take is to clean your tongue when brushing. Much of the bacteria responsible for bad breath is found on your tongue, so cleaning it regularly should help you manage this problem. While brushing is a great way to keep it clean, you may want to consider investing in a tongue scraper to address larger debris. 

Finally, smokers should also remember to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, your dental team can address plaque and tartar buildup, which can irritate your gums, leading to chronic bad breath. They may also recommend more in-depth cleanings and fluoride treatments to address tooth decay.

Tips for Quitting Tobacco Use

Discontinuing the use of tobacco can be incredibly difficult, as the nicotine in tobacco products is very addictive. If you want to quit smoking, there are a few great ways to begin this process, including: 

• Use nicotine replacement products, like patches and gum.
• Attempt to limit your exposure to anxiety-inducing events.
• Keep mints or gum on hand.
• Connect with support groups, friends, and family for support.
• Go to the gym or for a run to keep your mind busy. 

Helping You Achieve a Healthier Smile in Brigham City

Whether you’re trying to achieve a healthier smile after giving up tobacco products or you’ve dealt with tooth decay your entire life, our team at Jenson Dental is here to help you boost your oral health. For generations, we’ve provided patients across Brigham City with the most reliable dental care in the city. With our training and expertise, you can trust that our team will help you reach your smile goals in no time. 

If you would like to learn more about the services we offer or are interested in scheduling an appointment to discuss your oral health goals, don’t hesitate to contact us today for support. 

Your smile is the first thing many people see when they meet you. While this might not be a problem for some, others may experience extreme insecurity about the appearance of their smiles. There are many reasons why dental patients experience smile insecurity, and one of the most common reasons is how white your teeth are. 

When you scroll on social media or watch a movie, you’re faced with brilliant white smiles that may have you reaching for an at-home whitening kit. But are these at-home kits the best way to achieve the white smile you’re hoping for? In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of at-home and professional whitening to help you decide what is best for achieving your dream smile. 

Why Do Your Teeth Change Color?

As you get older, you might experience many appearance changes. From changing hair color to the appearance of freckles and sunspots, these changes are a normal part of everyday life. But one change you might not be comfortable with is the change in the color of your teeth. There are several reasons why your teeth may change color, including: 

• Age: As you get older and your enamel wears down, your dentin is exposed. This inner portion of your teeth is yellow, leading to a change in the appearance of your smile. 
• Diet: While you might enjoy a cup of coffee or dark fruits and vegetables, the pigment attached to these foods and drinks can alter the color of your teeth over time. 
• Tobacco Use: The tar and nicotine in tobacco products are known for their staining properties. Individuals who smoke may notice a drastic change in their smile. 
• Medications: While this isn’t as common as the methods above, some medications, like antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antihistamines, can change your tooth color. 

The Advantages and Drawbacks of At-Home Whitening Kits

If you want to make immediate changes to your smile, at-home whitening kits are a great solution. But, with all of their conveniences, there are still a few drawbacks to these at-home products. 

The Advantages

• Inexpensive Whitening Option: If you want to whiten your smile on a budget, at-home whitening kits are the way to go. Unlike professional treatments, at-home whitening kits often cost no more than $100, making them a great way to whiten without having to visit your dental provider. 
• Convenient to Use: When you’re ready to whiten your smile, you likely want to get started as soon as possible. At-home whitening kits offer the convenience of use whenever you want. No matter the time or day, these kits are a great way to reach the white smile of your dreams. 
• Great for Minor Stains: For individuals who are dealing with minor staining, at-home whitening kits are a great way to address them. They can gently lift the stains from coffee and dark-colored foods and beverages.

The Drawbacks

• Not Tailored Treatment: When you rely on at-home whitening kits, you don’t have the luxury of tailored whitening. These kits may not be strong enough to achieve the level of whitening you’re hoping for. 
• Uneven Whitening: In addition to not being customizable, at-home whitening kits may not provide an even lift. This might result in white spots across your teeth as you attempt to achieve your desired smile color. 
• Increased Sensitivity: One of the biggest downsides of using an at-home whitening kit is the increased sensitivity. It isn’t uncommon for whitening strips to lead to an increase in sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures. 

The Advantages and Drawbacks of Professional Whitening

While at-home whitening kits can help you make an immediate change to your smile, they aren’t nearly as effective as professional whitenings. There are many reasons why patients have relied on these services for decades, but they do come with some drawbacks. 

The Advantages

• Custom Whitening: With the support of a professional dental team, you can trust that you can achieve the white smile you’ve dreamed of. They can craft an in-office plan to ensure you reach your goals and are satisfied with your service. 
• Monitored by a Professional: When you visit your dental provider for whitening treatments, you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong. These services are monitored by a professional, which means there is someone present if anything begins to feel a little off. 
• Greater Whitening Power: Your dental team has access to much stronger whitening agents than are present in store-bought products. If you want to whiten your smile several levels, these professional whitening agents are your best choice. 

The Drawbacks

• More Expensive: While in-office treatments are more efficient, they are often far more expensive than store-bought products. If you are working on a budget, this may make in-office treatments unappealing. 
• Not as Convenient: If you schedule in-office whitenings, you may have to wait several weeks before your appointment to arrive. This can be discouraging if you’re whitening your teeth for an upcoming event. 

Which is Best for You? 

Ultimately, at-home and professional teeth whitenings have their advantages and drawbacks. 

At-Home Whitening is Best If:

• You’re looking for an inexpensive option
• You want to whiten your teeth whenever and wherever you  want
• You need minor whitening

Professional Whitening is Best If: 

• You need major whitening
• You’re worried about increased sensitivity
• You prefer attending in-office dental treatments

Your Whitest, Brightest Smile

If you want to achieve your brightest, whitest smile yet, turn to our team at Jeson Dental for support. For generations, we’ve helped dental patients across Brigham City achieve the smile of their dreams. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming event or are experiencing insecurity about your tooth color, we’re here to help you feel more confident with your smile.

If you would like to schedule a professional teeth whitening or have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today for support.