Toothpastes and mouthwashes that claim to whiten teeth quickly are seen by dental experts. Someone who is very critical of these products is the Norwegian dentist Petter Gjessing Johnsenwhich suggests that the products are not only ineffective, but can also be harmful.
– All products you buy in stores or pharmacies that are said to be whitening, such as toothpastes with activated carbon or whitening strips without hydrogen peroxide, are a complete waste of money, says Petter to the Norwegian newspaper The daily newspaper.
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Criticism of how they are marketed on social media
Petter Gjessing Johnsen also criticizes the way these products are marketed, especially on social media, where influencers often advertise them.
– Marketing these products as whitening is bordering on fraud. Many people who buy them not only get zero effect, but also risk damage to their teeth, he says.
Popular toothpastes you buy in the store can be harmful. Photo: Carolyn Kaster/TT
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Can damage the enamel
Petter Gjessing Johnsen warns that many of the popular toothpastes we buy in stores contain abrasive substances that wear away the enamel. The effect of whiter teeth often comes from the outermost layer of enamel being polished away, which does not provide a long-lasting whitening effect.
– Instead, it can lead to thinner enamel and increased wear on the teeth over time. In the long term, it is harmful to your dental health, says Petter.
Many of the products have also been tested without showing any effect. Consumer magazine Advice & Opinion have previously reviewed a number of popular products that promised whiter teeth, but to no avail. In an interview in SVT from 2017 points Ronny Karlssontest manager at Råd & Rön, that what many toothpastes claim to be able to do is pure fraud.
– Big marketing and big promises, but no function, he says.
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