Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Review - Toothpaste and SpinBrush

I am a member of Smiley360 and was accepted into a mission from Arm & Hammer to try their Truly Radiant Toothpaste and SpinBrush.  I received both items for free in the mail as a Smiley360 Member.

Here is a Pre-Arm & Hammer Use photo of me (Top) along with about 2 weeks of use:

I don't think you can see any difference - but I honestly do like the way my teeth look after using it. 

When I'm looking in the mirror, I do think they are brighter, but it isn't dramatic - like the Friends episode where Ross's teeth practically glow in the dark!  

This makes it seem natural and I like that.

Image from a fellow Smiley360 Blogger who writes, "Reviews from Mom"

I had some hesitation about using a SpinBrush because I had an electric toothbrush a few years ago that I couldn't stand using ... as soon as I put it in my mouth and on any of my teeth, the vibrations just echoed into my skull - making it feel like some sort of torture, but without actual pain.  I really worried that would happen here.  Thankfully, the SpinBrush's vibrations weren't uncomfortable at all.  I was careful not to bite down on the SpinBrush - just in case that would cause any discomfort.  I didn't even want to purposely try it - remembering my past experiences.  I am really happy with most of my experiences of the SpinBrush!

The Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant is different from my regular toothpaste because I don't use Whiteners and this used both calcium peroxide, CaO2, and baking soda, NaHCO3.  I know the baking soda is abrasive and would take off some surface stains, but it was obvious this is an ingredient in the toothpaste.  It was immediately detected by taste and leaves a slightly gritty bitter taste - especially when you just make the switch from another brand of toothpaste that doesn't contain this.  I made sure to really rinse well to get rid of this residual taste.  I also brushed my tongue with another toothbrush to make sure it came off.
The calcium peroxide (hydrogen peroxide) decomposes to water and oxygen gas - I did notice the bubbles.  It wasn't much - but combined with the spinning action of the brush, it really made my mouth foam and I pretty much have to constantly spit and use a tissue or I look like a real mess!

I know hydrogen peroxide is a great oxidizer and is known for killing germs, but I didn't know about the whitening aspect until this sampling.  Dentists use a form of hydrogen peroxide, but in a stronger concentration, to whiten teeth.  Something like hydrogen peroxide needs a catalyst to decompose faster than it normally would (Over time, hydrogen peroxide's kinetics would cause it to eventually turn into water - which is why it is sold in a brown bottle...this limits the UV light helping it breakdown)
I worry the long-term effects of this on my teeth, but I don't see anything wrong with using a tube of Truly Radiant and then going back to my normal toothpaste.

So my final verdict:
Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Toothpaste - I like it.  It foams a small bit and has a slight baking soda aftertaste.  I think it improves the look of my teeth, but I think I would only use this product periodically as am unsure of the calcium peroxide long-term effect on my teeth's enamel.  (I already am prone to getting cavities and don't want anything to weaken my teeth.)
Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant SpinBrush - I really like it!  I will continue to use it after this sampling is over!

I think this is a great time to throw in a Chemical Demo - appropriately called, "Elephant Toothpaste" It has hydrogen peroxide, liquid soap and a catalyst added (like MnO2).  It decomposes to form the oxygen gas which stays trapped in the foam.

From: ww.middleschoolchemistry.com/multimedia/chapter6/lesson5

Anyone interested in Smiley360 and you have questions, just comment and let me know - I'm more than happy to help you out!  For those of you who would like to sign up, here's my referral link: http://smiley360.com/?refid=77887