How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening Work?

Hydrogen peroxide is a simple chemical compound composed of hydrogen and oxygen. This chemical is widely used as a disinfectant and a bleaching agent for fabrics and paper. More recently, however, it is being used as an ingredient to aid in the process of teeth whitening. The amount of hydrogen peroxide in the whitening compound or solution will determine how effective the process is. Most concentrations range from three to ten percent. The higher the percentage, the greater the potential effects.

How Does it Work?
The teeth whitening process means that the hydrogen peroxide goes through the enamel material of the teeth and bleaches the dentine and pulp portions of the tooth. Studies done by the American Dental Association indicate that this process does not damage the enamel and is safe.

Side Effects
Like any process, there are side effects. These, however, are minor and temporary. Hydrogen peroxide strong enough to be used in the teeth whitening process can cause gums to become tender and teeth to be temperature sensitive.

What The Process Won’t Do
The teeth whitening process requires the hydrogen peroxide to go through the enamel to begin the bleaching. If it cannot go through the surface of a material, that means there will be no bleaching effect. If the hydrogen peroxide solution comes in contact with fillings, porcelain, ceramic or gold teeth or restorative work, then there is no change. On the other hand, if there is a porous material used such as cements or amalgams, the result can be one of making those materials softer and porous.

What About Carbamide Peroxide?
While hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are related, they perform two very different functions. Carbamide peroxide is formulated to work slowly, providing more teeth whitening but taking longer than hydrogen peroxide. Solutions using carbamide peroxide have a longer shelf life. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, breaks down immediately upon exposure to saliva and oxygen. This means that those solutions containing hydrogen peroxide have a shorter shelf life, but perform the teeth whitening process much more quickly.

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