Dentist explains why whitening toothpaste can make your teeth yellow and more susceptible to damage

A dentist warns that using whitening toothpaste to get whiter teeth can make your teeth yellower and more likely to crumble.

In a viral video that has now been viewed more than 2 million times, the oral health specialist told his TikTok followers that wToothpastes that whiten your teeth ‘don’t actually make your teeth whiter’.

While they may initially make your smile appear whiter by scrubbing away dark enamel, over time the abrasive ingredients cause your teeth to become thinner, yellower and more sensitive, he said.

This is because the protective enamel of the tooth is damaged, exposing dentin (the main part of the tooth that has a yellow hue).

The post, shared by the account @rifkindental, left many social media users wondering what they could do better than using whitening toothpaste.

A social media user asked, “What do you recommend then?”

“Don’t keep an eye on your best friend,” they added.

“At this point I’m pretty sure we’re all breathing wrong too,” added another.

Others wondered if whitening strips were better.

But there are many risks associated with both whitening toothpastes and homemade whitening kits.

Some whitening toothpastes use surface stain removers that whiten teeth by polishing your pearly whites.

This allows you to remove stains from drinks or food using mild abrasives. It is these abrasives that can damage your enamel.

Your enamel prevents your teeth from chipping or wearing down, so if you don’t have enough of it, you’re more susceptible to cavities.

Tooth decay is a major problem in the UK. Around a third of adults (33 per cent) have tooth decay and three quarters have had a tooth extracted, according to the Oral Health Foundation.

Tooth decay is the destruction of the tooth by acids that bacteria in plaque make. Every time you drink a sugary drink or food, it causes the bacteria in plaque to produce acid that attacks the teeth.

But toothpaste brand Colgate claims that its toothpastes on the market for teeth whitening are safe to use.

The company explains that all toothpastes are rated for their abrasiveness, using something called a Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) score.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), any toothpaste with an RDA below 250 is safe.

Most toothpastes on the market have a level below 200, which means the risk of erosion is lower.

Other products contain bleaching agents that actually change the color of your teeth.

However, under British law, only a qualified dentist is allowed to provide effective treatments to patients.

Before trying any whitening product, consult your dentist as these products can cause sensitivity.

It’s not just toothpastes that pose a risk, the NHS warns that many home-made teeth whitening kits could be harmful

Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent used in over-the-counter bleaching products and professional treatments.

However, over-the-counter products contain very low doses, making them unlikely to affect the color of your teeth.

The concentration of bleaching agent is higher in bleaching gels, strips and pens prescribed by a dentist.

Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if a dentist is not present and can pose a risk to your oral health.

One of the risks is that whitening gel may leak onto your gums, which can cause blistering and sensitivity.