- With Mayo Clinic prosthodontist
Alan Carr, D.M.D.
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Alan Carr, D.M.D.
Alan B. Carr, D.M.D.
Dr. Alan B. Carr, Department of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic, is a consultant in the Division of Prosthodontics and a professor of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Carr, a native of Hattiesburg, MS., received his prosthodontics training at Mayo. Following his training he has was an assistant professor at Marquette University and then became a full professor at Ohio State University where his clinical duties included Director of Maxillofacial Prosthetics at the James Cancer Hospital. He returned to Mayo in 2000.
Dr. Carr is board certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. He served in the Air Force and has degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. He also is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. He has made dozens of international and national presentations, and is author of a dental textbook.
His clinical practice focuses on combined prosthodontics and reconstruction of patients with disabling oral conditions. His research interests include oral and craniofacial endosseous implants, tobacco cessation, and the impact of oral health on general health, especially for patients with chronic illness and the elderly.
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Question
Whitening toothpaste: Does it actually whiten teeth?
Does whitening toothpaste actually whiten teeth?
Answer
from Alan Carr, D.M.D.
If you really want to give your teeth that bright, white glow, you'll have to look elsewhere. Whitening toothpastes are designed to remove surface stains from your teeth. As a result, they may lighten your teeth slightly. However, they cannot change the natural color of your teeth.
To help remove stains, whitening toothpaste may include:
- Special abrasives that gently polish the teeth
- Chemicals, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, that help break down or dissolve stains
Whitening toothpastes are generally safe for daily use. However, people with tooth or gum sensitivity, or those susceptible to tooth or gum erosion might find some whitening toothpastes too abrasive.
When buying any toothpaste, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
If you would like to whiten your teeth, ask your dentist if tooth-whitening bleaches are right for you. There are a number of bleaching options available from the dentist and from retail stores. Whitening toothpastes used after bleaching may help to maintain the tooth color, but they do so by keeping the surface of the tooth free of external stains.
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