How does it work?

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidising agent. It breaks down chemical compounds into smaller, less pigmented molecules. In teeth whitening, it breaks down the pigments in teeth. These large pigmented molecules are the cause of yellow or stained teeth. By breaking down these molecules, hydrogen peroxide effectively lightens the colour of teeth.

Why peroxide?

The ADA oversees tooth whitening products. There are two ways these products whiten teeth. Non-bleaching products, like whitening toothpastes, contain chemicals that remove surface stains and debris, restoring the tooth's colour. Most bleaching products contain carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea. The active bleaching agent is the weak acid hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂. It steals the electrons that hold the atoms together, causing the molecules to fall apart.

Safe percentage

Choose the right concentration: A low concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide (around 3% to 6%) is safe to use for teeth whitening usually without any side effects. Hydrogen Peroxide can produce certain side effects like gum or tooth sensitivity if used often in high concentration.

Will I end up with a fake looking ‘Hollywood’ smile?

Dentist supervised home whitening is a gradual process, so you can decide quite easily when you are happy with the shade of your teeth and when you would like to stop the process. With teeth whitening, even when the teeth become very white, they should still look natural and pleasing without looking fake. This effect is often owing to the use of overly white porcelain crowns or veneer, which are often more opaque and less natural looking than your own teeth.