How does Teeth whitening work?

The main reason home teeth whitening has become so popular in the UK is simply because it works. In this article, we will explain the science behind teeth whitening products and the mechanism by which teeth whitening using peroxide-based gel works. But first let’s look at what causes teeth to become stained.

How do teeth become stained?

When we eat and drink things like; red wine, curry, tea and coffee highly coloured organic molecules can enter your teeth through microscopic pores in the enamel and underlying dentine. As more and more of these dark molecules build up within your teeth, they absorb light and give the tooth a darker or yellower appearance.

So how does the whitening gel get rid of these stains?

When you apply whitening products to your teeth the small peroxide molecules pass through the microscopic pores and begin to breakdown the staining molecules that have built up in your enamel and dentine through active oxygen (OXYD-8) and water.

Does whitening gel only work on stains?

Peroxide based gels only work on organic stains and do not affect the hard tissues of your teeth (the enamel and dentine) or any restorative dental work you may have.

Teeth whitening options

There are different options available when it comes to teeth whitening, but which is the most suitable for you? In this article we compare some teeth whitening methods available.

Dentist teeth whitening

Dentist whitening is actually the most common way people of the UK brighten their smiles. In the past, tooth whitening could only be done by dentists. Now, provided your dentist has recommended that you can have the procedure, dental professionals such as hygienists and dental therapists can carry out teeth whitening procedures.

In the dental surgery

Your dentist will put a rubber seal around your teeth to protect your gums from the bleaching gel. The bleaching gel is placed onto your teeth and an activation light is used to accelerate the whitening process. In this procedure bleaching gel (Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide) is placed on the outer surfaces of the teeth.

Home teeth whitening

Home teeth whitening is becoming more popular in the UK as bleaching gels are made available on the high street and the internet.

Generally your dentist will make rubber mouth trays to fit your teeth precisely (though boil and bite trays are also available). Your dentist will recommend the most suitable gel strength for you and may even provide tubes / syringes of teeth whitening bleaching gel and detailed instructions on how to put the gel in the mouth trays, and the trays, into your mouth. In this procedure a less concentrated bleaching gel (Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide) is placed on the outer surfaces of the teeth.

There is some evidence home teeth whitening kits work, but some products may be better than others. Possible side-effects of home teeth whitening include gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.