We’re back with a quick update on the abrasiveness of toothpastes. I just learned about the Colgate Optic White line of toothpastes. This line is different because it has a chemical component to whiten teeth.
I’m really excited about a whitening toothpaste that is safe to use as your everyday paste! Typically I recommend avoiding whitening toothpastes because of how abrasive they are. Most whitening pastes work mechanically, through tiny beads called silica which can wear the teeth and gums.
Some of the Optic White pastes rely less on the mechanical action of silica and more heavily on the chemical action of hydrogen peroxide. This is a much safer way to whiten. All of the whitening options I stand behind have this peroxide-based chemical mode of action.
There are a number of types of Optic White toothpaste. Sparkling White has an RDA value between 100-110. While that’s low for a whitening paste, it’s still higher than I like to see for an everyday paste. A low abrasiveness paste has a value of 70 or less.
Colgate Optic White Express White has a greater concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the Sparkling White and a lower level of silica. As a result, the RDA value is between 46-50. That’s really low!
So for a safer toothpaste that will help to keep your teeth white, Colgate Optic White Express White is your best option.
If you have any questions about this or in-office whitening treatments that we offer, give us a call at 508-358-2122 or come in for a consult. Happy healthy brushing!