Each one of us craves for bright, beautiful pearly whites. However, unless there is severe discoloration or damage, we prefer to stick to home remedies or the over-the-counter whitening systems rather than a professional whitening service. There is no doubt that a professional whitening procedure by a dentist is much safer and provides better and even results. Nevertheless, whitening treatments are not covered by insurance and can be an expensive affair. So, effectively for most routine requirements, you are left with over-the-counter solutions.

Two of the most popular over-the-counter solutions are teeth whitening toothpaste and teeth whitening strips. The next question that naturally comes to mind is which of these two works better. To answer this let us first understand how each of these systems works on our teeth.

Teeth whitening toothpaste:

Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can help in removing surface stains. Some of them contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that are more effective in removing additional stains. Toothpaste with blue covarine can make your teeth appear whiter almost immediately as the substance adheres to the teeth to cancel out the yellow color.

The main difference between whitening toothpaste and whitening strips is that toothpaste does not contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide and therefore they can be used only for removal of can surface stains. They do not penetrate below the enamel to remove older and deeper stains. Even the best teeth whitening toothpaste can lighten your teeth by about one or two shades at the max.

The good thing is that whitening toothpaste is safe for teeth; however, you must look out for the ADA seal of approval. Another word of caution here; vigorous brushing can damage the enamel. Some of the best teeth whitening toothpaste can effectively remove the stain from tea and coffee and be leaving you with a fresh, clean breath. Another advantage of using some of the best teeth whitening toothpaste is that they provide the whitening treatment while preventing decay and strengthening your teeth.

Whitening strips:

Whitening strips, on the other hand, are very thin, almost invisible strips, usually coated with hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel. The peroxide-based gels on these strips can effectively penetrate the enamel of our teeth to remove deeper stains that lie below the surface. You can see the results in a few days, and final white color of your teeth can last for several months. However, one needs to be careful to be very careful using the strips. Ensure that you closely follow the instructions on the label.

Many people prefer some of the best teeth whitening toothpaste to strips because of their unpleasant taste or a bad fit. However, the latest strips in the market can whiten your teeth in a day from the comfort of your home. They are so comfortable to wear that you can easily drink and talk while they sit on your teeth.

If you experience sensitivity after using a whitening strip, it indicates that the peroxide on the strip has reached the innermost layer of your teeth causing nerve irritation. It is best to discontinue treatment for some time or consult a doctor in case of severe prolonged sensitivity. Using Whitening strips too often or incorrectly can damage your enamel.

Now, that you know the difference between these two products, the choice between the two becomes a matter of personal preference. Best teeth whitening toothpaste is effective for surface stain and is easy to use and safe. Whitening strips provide deeper whitening, but you have to be very careful while using them to avoid sensitivity and uneven color.

If you are looking for the best teeth whitening toothpaste you can consider the following:

• Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste
• Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
• Tom’s of Maine Simply White Toothpaste
• Colgate Optic White Toothpaste