The Science Behind Whitening Products
As society continues to prefer the visuals of white teeth and a brighter smile, the demand for teeth whitening products has been growing. These aesthetic concerns can include discoloration due to aging, smoking, or consumption of other staining substances. Many choices for tooth whitening have been made available, but now the question is: do these whitening products even work? Let’s explore the science behind some common whitening products and techniques, and analyze potential side effects.
To start off, let’s take a look at what commonly causes teeth to stain in the first place. Tooth discoloration is commonly caused by tobacco use, dental trauma, poor oral hygiene and certain foods, drinks, and medications. These factors may cause the teeth to take on a yellowed or less bright color. There are two main types of discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration only affects the outer surface of the teeth, and is mainly due to environmental factors like foods and beverages. Intrinsic discoloration starts from inside the tooth and affects the layer underneath the enamel (dentin). This type of discoloration is caused by dental trauma and certain medications.
Most whitening products are designed to treat extrinsic stains. There are several methods available, from professional treatments, to over-the-counter products, to at-home kits. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used as whitening agents and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. The active agents can penetrate the enamel of the teeth and react with the discolored molecules that cause tooth discoloration. This action spreads the active oxygen molecules and whitens the entire tooth while keeping enamel safe.
However, there can be some side effects. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects. Tooth sensitivity can be more common with higher concentrations of active ingredients, and mild to moderate sensitivity can occur in up to two-thirds of users during early stages of treatments. Gingival irritation is typically due to improper application of protective barrier or gel, or due to poor fitting trays when using gel-based projects or whitening strips.
Sources:
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening
https://www.clinicalresearchdental.com/blogs/whitening-hygiene/the-science-behind-teeth-whitening
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration
