It is possible to achieve whitening results with any one these over-the-counter options. Keep in mind many of these methods merely remove surface stain by using lightly abrasive materials, specifically in the case of whitening toothpaste. These abrasive additives are similar to the ones found in professional polishing paste, and do not actually whiten the dentin layer of the tooth. Care should be taken when using whitening toothpaste on a daily basis as it may begin to wear down the enamel layer, causing tooth abrasion.