Does Fluoride Whiten Teeth?

You may have heard about fluoride’s impressive reputation for protecting your dental health, particularly its crucial role in preventing tooth decay. Alongside regular dental checkups, fluoride helps keep teeth strong, so it’s only natural people would wonder if it can also contribute to the bright, white smile many of us strive for.

Fluoride doesn’t directly whiten teeth. However, it can strengthen tooth enamel and ward off tooth decay, which may indirectly help boost the appearance of your smile. To actually whiten and brighten your teeth, you may need to turn to professional teeth whitening treatments.

What Does Fluoride Do?

Fluoride works to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral found naturally in rocks, soil, and even in our water sources. Fluoride is also a key ingredient in some toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other oral health products. 

Fluoride can sometimes get filtered out of water along with all the harmful things we get rid of, so many cities add it to their water supply. This means that, depending on where you live, even drinking some tap water could be a good way to protect your teeth.

Is Fluoride Dangerous?

When used correctly, fluoride is very safe. Much work has been done to determine the optimal level of fluoride for drinking water, taking into account the average amount of fluoride people get from other fluoride sources, including:

• Professional fluoride varnishes
• Fluoride gels and foams
• Certain mouthwashes
• Fluoride drops or tablets

You should always consult your dentist before attempting to increase your fluoride intake. There are some precautions to note when using fluoride. 

Young children shouldn’t be left unattended when brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and they should use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. If a child swallows too much fluoride, it can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that causes white spots on their permanent teeth.

Fluoride is typically only harmful when you ingest too much, too frequently. The amount of children with moderate or severe dental fluorosis is too small to report, and you cannot get dental fluorosis when your adult teeth have already grown in. 

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening treatments can lighten your teeth’s colour with the help of various products or procedures. It can be relatively quick and easy, depending on the method. Some take weeks for effects to show, while others claim to brighten your teeth by several shades in just a few hours. 

There are 2 types of tooth discolouration: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic tooth discolouration affects the outer layer of the tooth. It can be caused by:

• Smoking
• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Red sauces

Intrinsic tooth discolouration occurs below the enamel and into a tooth’s core. This type can be harder to treat and is typically caused by:

• Genetic factors
• Injury
• Some medications
• Aging

Fluoride can remineralize your enamel, which may help prevent yellowing caused by your enamel wearing away over time, but it can’t whiten teeth that are already stained.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Always talk to your dentist before beginning any at-home teeth whitening method. While they’re generally safe to use, some people may experience sensitivity or other dental issues when they try at-home teeth whitening. 

At-home teeth whitening methods are typically less powerful than professional teeth whitening, but they can be useful if you only require a little whitening to achieve your preferred smile.

Whitening Toothpaste & Mouthwash

Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash contain mild abrasives or chemicals that can remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. While these products won’t give you dramatic results, they could help maintain the whiteness of your teeth while supporting your oral hygiene. 

Look for toothpaste and mouthwash specifically designed for whitening, and use them consistently if you want to see effects.

Whitening Strips & Trays

Whitening strips and trays are among the most popular at-home teeth whitening methods because they’re designed to be convenient and easy to use, and they can produce visible results.

• Strips are thin, flexible tapes you apply to your teeth and wear for a specified period, usually 30 minutes to an hour.
• Trays are mouthpieces you fill with a whitening gel and wear for a few hours a day or overnight.

Both options work by delivering a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains and lighten the enamel. They’re available over-the-counter or online, but make sure to choose a reputable brand and follow the instructions carefully to avoid gum irritation, uneven results, or tooth sensitivity.

If you’re considering using these products, you should speak with us first. We can help you evaluate the safety of at-home whitening products and provide guidance on how to achieve your goals. 

The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System

Zoom! whitening is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that uses hydrogen peroxide gel and a special blue LED light to remove stains and discolouration from teeth.

During the treatment, we apply the gel to your teeth first and then direct the LED light to the targeted area for approximately 15 minutes per application. Multiple applications may be necessary depending on your needs and goals.

The hydrogen peroxide gel works by infiltrating enamel and dentin pores, which contain organic pigments, and breaking down the pigments through an oxidizing reaction. The Zoom! light activates the gel, speeding up the process to help produce faster results.

Compared to at-home whitening treatments, Zoom! whitening can often provide more precise and dramatic results.

Let’s Embrace a Bright Smile

While fluoride can support your teeth by strengthening tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay, it can’t directly whiten your smile. If you want to achieve a brighter smile, try the Zoom! In-Office Whitening System at South Bolton Dental.

Our knowledgeable team can talk you through this exciting technology and help you determine if you’re a good candidate. A brighter smile is possible, so book your consultation today!