Do Tooth Whitening Gums Really Work at Whitening Teeth? (2024)

Do Tooth Whitening Gums Really Work at Whitening Teeth? (1)

Written by Scott Frey on . Posted in Oral Health, Teeth whitening.

Do Tooth Whitening Gums Really Work at Whitening Teeth? (2)Whitening gums do not produce the whitening effects we typically think of with teeth whitening, and they won’t really make your teeth whiter. However, they doreduce the formation of certain types of dark staining, the types of dark stains that your dentist usually scratches off with an instrument at appointments. They accomplish this through added abrasives and/or ingredients that make stains easier to rub off while chewing the gum.Let’s take a look at some ingredients in popular whitening gums.

Key Ingredients in Whitening Gums

Orbit White Gum

  • Titanium Dioxide – This ingredient is listed as being added for color, but it is an abrasive and I have seen it listed in some patents as an ingredient responsible for whitening. It helps remove stains by increasing the abrasiveness of the gum.
  • Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking soda) – Baking soda is a mild abrasive and will help remove stains by increasing the overall abrasiveness of the gum.

Trident White Gum

  • Titanium Dioxide – This ingredient is listed as being added for color, but it is an abrasive and I have seen it listed in some patents as an ingredient responsible for whitening. It helps remove stains by increasing the abrasiveness of the gum.

Vitacare Whitening Gum

  • Citrate/Citric Acid – These chelate calcium and are acidic in the oral environment, thus they can make stains easier to remove through their eorisive properties.
  • Titanium Dioxide – This ingredient is listed as being added for color, but it is an abrasive and I have seen it listed in some patents as an ingredient responsible for whitening. It removes stains by increasing the abrasiveness of the gum.
  • Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate – An anti-plaque and anti-calculus agent (due to calcium chelating properties) that is meant to make stains easier to abrade off.
  • Sodium Ascorbate & Malic Acid – Both are mildly acidic in the oral environment and may make stains easier to rub off through their erosive properties.

Supersmile Whitening Gum

  • Calprox – Listed as a proprietary form of Calcium Peroxide, which is an oxidizing agent and can help make stains easier to rub off during chewing.

Ironically, studies have shown that all gums reduce these types of stains so in my opinion, the enhanced abrasion of whitening gums is not worth it. This is especially true when you consider that after meals our oral pH is more acidic and our enamel is “softer.” Overall you are much better off simply chewing xylitol gum after meals because you’ll get similar stain prevention.

Overall, at-home whitening options can be a convenient and cost-effective way to brighten your smile, but it’s important to use them correctly and as directed to avoid potential damage to your gums and teeth. If you are looking for a premium whitening experience, the HFO Teeth Whitening is a great option that can effectively whiten your teeth.

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Do Tooth Whitening Gums Really Work at Whitening Teeth? (3)

Scott Frey

Scott Frey is a renowned Orthodontist, professional speaker, and founder of the More than Smiles Movement.

Do Tooth Whitening Gums Really Work at Whitening Teeth? (2024)

FAQs

Do Tooth Whitening Gums Really Work at Whitening Teeth? ›

The truth about teeth whitening gums is that they do not produce the typical whitening effects we associate with teeth whitening. While they may reduce certain types of dark staining, they are not as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products like toothpaste or strips.

Does whitening gum actually whiten your teeth? ›

Here's the thing: while these gums do contain whitening agents, they don't actually do much to whiten your teeth. This is because the amount of whitening agent put into each piece of gum is so small.

How long does it take for whitening gum to work? ›

You'll find that some of these gums have fine print about how often you're supposed to chew in order to see results. You might have to use the gum for an hour every day, and even then you may not see results until after you've been using it for three months or so — if you see any results at all, that is.

When whitening teeth gums turn white? ›

Blanching and Minor Gum Irritation

Blanching is when the gums turn white and possibly even sting a little after a teeth whitening treatment, particularly with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Blanching is normal and usually goes away in 5-20 minutes. Rinse your mouth well.

Are there any teeth whitening products that actually work? ›

Crest 3D Whitestrips are currently the only ADA-approved whitening strips — they also won an NBC Select Wellness Award. The Classic Vivid strips come in a pack of 24, which is enough for 12 treatments.

Can gum get rid of yellow teeth? ›

Another plus of chewing gum is that it can actually help to whiten teeth. There are several varieties of teeth whitening chewing gum that can help fight off teeth-staining foods and drinks. Many of these products should be used after eating to help wash away food particles that can damage and stain teeth.

What is the best tooth whitening product? ›

The Best Teeth Whitening Kits, According to Dentists
  • OpalescenceGo Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays, Set of 10. ...
  • Burst Prefilled Whitening Trays, Set of 3. ...
  • PhilipsZoom NiteWhite Kit, Set of 3. ...
  • Dr. ...
  • Colgate Optic White ComfortFit Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  • Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  • Crest3D Whitestrips, Pack of 22.
Sep 20, 2023

How long does it take for white gums to heal after whitening? ›

Give It Time

Gums are sensitive and heal quite quickly. In most cases, burned gums from teeth whitening should begin to feel better within a few days to a week. Continue practicing good oral hygiene during this time, but be gentle when brushing and flossing around the affected area to avoid further irritation.

How long does gum whitening last? ›

The Pictures you see on our Gallery are all patients that had review appointment 2 weeks after the treatment . How Long Does the Gum De-pigmentation Treatment Last? One gum depigmentation treatment can last 20 years or up to a lifetime.

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Why did hydrogen peroxide turn my gums white? ›

Soft tissue irritation

This condition is also called a chemical burn. It happens when the whitening solution touches your gum tissue during the procedure. In some cases, gums might turn white as a result. Whitening solutions contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

What color are unhealthy gums? ›

What Color are Unhealthy Gums? Disease-causing bacteria can cause gums to become inflamed, which can sometimes lead to bright red gums. In other cases, the bacteria can cause an infection that results in white or blue gums. And in severe cases, the infection can cause the gums to turn black.

What happens if you get teeth whitening bleach on your gums? ›

As long as you stop the bleaching treatment quickly, the good news is that gum irritation usually resolves on its own after a few days. Saltwater rinses will help relieve discomfort during recovery. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can dull the irritation or burning feeling.

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide has been proven to work in some cases for instant results in a pinch. Combine two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of baking soda. Mix it until it becomes a paste and use it to brush your teeth.

What actually whitens your teeth fast? ›

Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

What is the number one teeth whitening method? ›

Laser Teeth Whitening. Currently, the preferred choice of tooth-whitening treatment is Philips' Zoom! laser teeth whitening. For laser teeth whitening, a patient will typically come in for an hour-long session and then use formulated take-home teeth-whitening trays for lasting results.

Can you whiten your teeth with chewing gum? ›

Gum That Cleans Teeth Can Act as Whitener

Research indicates that the most likely thing you may notice in a person is their smile. Chewing gum can be beneficial if you are looking to whiten your teeth. While this is not a substitution for a regular brushing routine, it can be useful.

Do whitening strips work? ›

Although professional-level teeth whitening treatment may be more effective in achieving white teeth in some cases, teeth whitening strips are often just as effective at removing surface stains or discoloration caused by foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.

Does orbit gum actually clean your teeth? ›

The American Dental Association has found that chewing ORBIT Sugarfree Gum for 20 minutes after eating helps to prevent cavities by reducing plaque acids and strengthening teeth. It helps maintain a sparkling smile, too. And you might not be the only one to notice.

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