Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 1/26/2005

Question
BJ,

I have teeth not yellow, but not bright white...am getting married in less than 6 months...I am using a sonic-like electric toothbrush...what is the best toothpaste to get my teeth whiter and does electric toothbrush help?...does it help to do it twice a day?  I am Asian Indian if that helps and 28 y/o male.

Thanks. BJ  

Answer
BJ,
So-called whitening toothpastes do their thing by removing surface stains better than normal toothpastes. They do not bleach your teeth like the materials dentists use when patients come to us to have their teeth lightened. Some of the companies who manufacture electric brushes are making claims of having less stain remain...particularly the sonic brushes such as Sonicare. If you want truly whiter teeth, then contact your dentist about bleaching. If you want to try things with electric brushes and toothpastes, then I would try a Sonicare brush and Crest whitening toothpaste. See if these help. Good luck and congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

Jeff Dalin, DDS