Teeth Whitening & Hydrogen Peroxide: Does It Work?
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A popular bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide and teeth whitening go hand in hand. But is it effective? Or are there better ingredients available?
How does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?
This ingredient can be found in dental practices, online or over the counter. You may be wondering then, how does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? Put simply, it penetrates the enamel and oxidizes, helping to break down stains.
Teeth whitening & hydrogen peroxide: Does it work?
Over-the-counter kits typically contain a 0.1% concentration of hydrogen peroxide (or even less) to comply with EU regulations. This percentage offers minimal whitening and is recognised to be generally ineffective.
Comparatively, a trained dentist may use hydrogen peroxide at a much higher concentration. From in-clinic treatments to prescribed products that can only be bought from a dental professional, this whitening method is proven to provide a more dramatic whitening effect.
So, how long does hydrogen peroxide take to lighten teeth? With continuous applications, results can appear within 1 – 2 weeks (depending on the concentration used). It is important to note that, if your discolouration is more severe, you may need to opt for a more long-term treatment to see any difference, such as teeth bonding.
Teeth whitening & hydrogen peroxide: Is it safe?
Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening is generally considered to be safe. To protect your oral health while you whiten, please keep the following in mind.
- Follow the instructions provided by the dentist or brand
- Choose the right concentration of hydrogen peroxide
- Do not overuse the ingredient
- Only purchase from reputable brands
- If seeing a dentist, choose a trained practitioner that is legally qualified to administer treatment
Hydrogen peroxide vs carbamide peroxide
Peroxide teeth whitening is extremely popular amongst dentists and patients alike. Let’s compare two of the most common whitening agents used to brighten smiles - hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
Factor | Which is the better choice? | Explanation |
Faster acting | Hydrogen peroxide | Breaks down quicker than its counterpart, getting to work within 30 - 60 minutes |
Sensitive teeth friendly | Carbamide peroxide | As it breaks down slower, this ingredient is believed to be gentler on the teeth and gums |
Shelf life | Carbamide peroxide | Carbamide peroxide is made up of urea and hydrogen peroxide, a stable, less reactive combination |
Maximum whitening | Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide | Research suggests that, despite their differences, both ingredients have similar whitening abilities |
In conclusion, hydrogen peroxide delivers fast results, while carbamide peroxide offers more slow and gradual whitening, making it ideal for patients with sensitive teeth.
Conclusion:
Are you considering using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening? Remember to do your research and consult with your dentist before trying any new products. If you want a whiter smile but don’t know where to start, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite. Our cosmetic specialists will give you a bright, dazzling grin.