Five questions about teeth whitening products with Bas Loomans Do those products really provide white teeth, and are they safe?

Dazzlingly white teeth seem very normal nowadays. You just have to turn on the TV, and everyone is flaunting a radiant white smile. Influencers on TikTok and Instagram also claim that white teeth are within reach. Just treat your teeth with charcoal, coconut oil, or purple toothpaste. But is that true? Do your teeth really get whiter, or is it a sales trick? And what risks are associated with it? We asked Professor of Oral Function and Restorative Dentistry Bas Loomans.

Why can your teeth appear yellow?

‘Your teeth consist of dentin and enamel. Dentin is yellow, but the outer enamel makes it look whiter. Over time, the enamel becomes thinner, making the tooth look yellower. This is a natural process. In addition, enamel discolors due to deposits from, for example, tea, coffee, and smoking.’

How can you get your teeth white again?

‘External discoloration of the enamel from deposits can be removed by your dentist by polishing your teeth with a special polishing paste. Discoloration inside the tooth can be lightened from the inside by bleaching. The only effective agent for this is hydrogen peroxide. Enamel is very hard but somewhat porous at the same time. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel and breaks down the pigments that make your teeth yellow or dark, making the tooth whiter. As a dentist, I am not in favor of making a perfectly good set of teeth even whiter. But if, for example, you have two yellower teeth, you can ensure that they match the rest. There is a clear patient request in that case.’

What is the effect of products like coconut oil, purple toothpaste, or teeth whitening kits with a blue light?

‘Such products only create a layer on the outside of the teeth, making your teeth temporarily look whiter. Nothing happens to the teeth themselves; it only provides a short-term visual effect. Purple toothpaste contains the color blue, making your teeth appear lighter. That's why 'bluing' was used in the past for white laundry. Coconut oil only creates a greasy layer. Teeth whitening kits with a blue light also do not work. Many manufacturers claim various things, but unfortunately, these claims are often untrue.’

Several brands claim that whitening strips with PAP do work and that this has been scientifically proven. Is that true?

‘Hydrogen peroxide may no longer be sold in concentrations higher than >0.1%. Only a dental team may use higher concentrations. PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) is seen as a replacement for hydrogen peroxide, but unfortunately, it has no bleaching effect on the teeth. Strips with PAP only provide a layer that creates a temporary visual effect. Nothing happens to the teeth themselves, and that layer is gone after two days.’

Is it dangerous to use products that influencers endorse?

‘The products that only provide a temporary optical effect are usually not harmful. But you do need to be careful with charcoal. It acts as a sort of abrasive and removes the deposits from your teeth but can also damage your enamel. Furthermore, some products sold online contain peroxide, such as Crest Whitening Strips. If you buy online, you don't know the concentration of peroxide and don't get information about the acidity of the bleaching agent. The strips may be too acidic and damage your enamel. In addition, as dentists, we know what is in your mouth, we can answer whether whitening is meaningful and know the best approach. Which tooth is changing color and which is not? Where is a filling or a crown? If you do this yourself, you can end up with a mix of colors. And then you are further away from your goal and it is much more expensive. So, for whiter teeth, always contact your dentist or dental hygienist.’

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