Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of MLMs, or Multi-Level Marketing companies. Even if you haven’t heard the term “MLM”, you’ve probably been approached by someone who claimed that a certain makeup, essential oil, or pair of leggings is life-changing. Now, the list of MLM products has to expanded to include another item: toothpaste. Here’s why a lot of these MLM toothpastes are definitely not dentist-approved, and can even actively harm your teeth.
Abrasive Minerals
Many MLM toothpaste companies promise to make your teeth “instantly” whiter by several shades. To fulfill that promise, they harsh abrasives to their formulas that can erode enamel. Some of these so-called “miracle” toothpastes contain silica, one of the major constituents of sand. The toothpastes can also contain alumina, an aluminum oxide, which is extremely acidic and abrasive. Brushing with the resulting toothpaste has almost the same effect as rubbing sandpaper on your teeth’s delicate enamel. And it will only “work” to remove the surface stains; after your enamel is worn down, the yellow dentin beneath will start to show through, just as is the case with activated charcoal toothpaste.
Harsh Pigments & Chemicals
MLM toothpastes like AP24 Toothpaste also contain titanium dioxide, a pigment often added to white paint. Titanium dioxide can keep teeth (and walls) nice and white for a few hours, but doesn’t make a long-term whitening difference, and is often an allergen or skin irritant. MLM toothpastes also can contain sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium sulfate, commonly added to detergents, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and car wash soaps. Both chemicals have been shown to irritate skin, eyes, and hair in children and adults.
Bottom Line: Toothpastes Don’t Whiten Teeth
Whether dangerous or not, MLM toothpastes are certainly not “miracle” whiteners, and they aren’t any better than your average drugstore toothpaste. That’s because whitening toothpastes don’t bleach the teeth; they just remove external staining caused by dark foods and drinks. True whitening only occurs when a peroxide compound is put in contact with the enamel for an extended period of time. So, unless you’re applying a peroxide product to your teeth for 30 minutes or more, you’re eroding the teeth, not bleaching them.
Get Professional Whitening with Charleston Cosmetic Dentists
If you are looking for Charleston Cosmetic Dentists, stop by Lowcountry Dental Arts. Our expert cosmetic dentists will help create the brilliant smile you’ve always wanted! To book an appointment, click here.
