The Ministry of Health advises the public to stop using whitening toothpaste to whiten their teeth as they are not truly white.
Commenting on this, Community Dental Consultant Dr. Shanika Muthuthanthri says that whitening toothpastes available in the market are not harmful, but they contain harsh ingredients such as silica or calcium carbonate. She points out that using such toothpastes only cleans the surface stains on the teeth and can scratch the enamel of the teeth.
The doctor further says that tooth decay is currently seen in 63% of preschool children and 90% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44.
She emphasizes that fluoride toothpaste is the best way to prevent tooth decay.