Whiter Teeth by Whitener Toothpaste?

Stiftung Warentest: Although whitening toothpastes retain their original tooth shade, the teeth usually do not whiten with such products

24.03.2011

The Stiftung Warentest has tested 21 whitening toothpastes and found that these „Well“ to „very well“ work against stains and deposits of tea, coffee, nicotine or red wine. This preserves the original color of the teeth. Lighter - as indicated on most packaging - but the teeth are not due to the regular use. Therefore, some critics doubt again and again the fundamental benefits of such toothpastes. Harmful was none of the tested whitening toothpastes.

Almost all tested whitening toothpastes promise „bright white teeth“, in reality, however, the products are as good as possible for preserving the existing tooth color, reports Stiftung Warentest. The consumers of the special toothpastes for white teeth should not expect miracles, according to Stiftung Warentest. However, stains and discoloration of the so-called whitening toothpastes „Well“ or even „very well“ away.

Whitening toothpastes remove stains and discoloration
A total of 21 whitening toothpastes were tested by Stiftung Warentest in the laboratory and tested their dental effect. It was not only the alleged effect as a whitener in the spotlight of the testers, but also the general removal of stains and contaminants, the prevention of tooth decay and the abrasion caused. In addition, it was determined in the laboratory how much fluoride the toothpastes contained in order to be able to make statements about caries protection. The fluoride content is particularly important because the salts can prevent tooth decay and compensate for weak points in the enamel, said Stiftung Warentest. Overall, all have toothpastes „Well“ or „very well“ against stains and discoloration, and there were hardly any differences between the cheap products of Lidl, Aldi or dm compared to the expensive brands of teeth whitening or Rembrandt to recognize so the testers.

Fluoride content of toothpastes partially only „satisfying“
From a dental point of view, Stiftung Warentest's verdict on whitening toothpastes is less clear. Especially with the fluoride content, some toothpastes have not fully convinced. Even though most of the whitening toothpastes also tested here „Well“ but the branded articles got „Plus Premium Whitening Toothpaste“ by Rembrandt and „Professional Dental Repair & White Remineral Teeth Whitening“ of pearl white only the grade „satisfying“. The most expensive product in the test - Rembrandt's toothpaste (11.80 euros per tube) - has instead of sodium fluoride contain less effective sodium monofluorophosphate, so the result of the laboratory test by Stiftung Warentest. The pearl white toothpaste (€ 9.95 per package) also contained a relatively small amount of fluoride, whereas all the cheaper products could convince the fluoride content.

Beware of damaged teeth or exposed tooth necks
Harmful to the teeth or tooth enamel, as often assumed, according to Stiftung Warentest, none of the whitening toothpastes tested were tested. However, care should be taken with damaged teeth, sensitive gums and exposed tooth necks. According to Stiftung Warentest, consumers should opt for a toothpaste with as little abrasion as possible. The organic toothpaste from Vitadent proved to be particularly suitable for this during the tests. Overall, each of the tested toothpastes is capable of enhancing the health of the teeth, but discoloration and deposits can not be completely avoided even with them. Therefore, according to Stiftung Warentest, independent of the daily dental care, a regular professional tooth cleaning is recommended. The complete result for the study of whitening toothpastes will be published in the April issue of the journal „test“ released. (Fp)

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Image: Jetti Kuhlemann