Having stained teeth can be a source of embarrassment and can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Fortunately, there are a variety of dental supplies available that can help whiten your teeth and restore your confidence. The most common type of dental supply used to whiten teeth is hydrogen peroxide, which is a chemical that penetrates the teeth and changes the color from the inside. Polishing and whitening toothpaste can also be used to remove surface stains, while products like Opalescence Boost contain a gel with hydrogen peroxide to whiten and brighten teeth.
Lasers are also used to heat and activate a whitening gel with hydrogen peroxide, which can brighten teeth up to 12 shades. Over-the-counter teeth whitening trays are also available, although they have a lower peroxide concentration than what you get from an in-office procedure. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two main products used to whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide works by weakening tooth stains at the molecular level, while carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide when it comes into contact with saliva. Both products are safe and effective when used correctly, but it's important to consult with your dentist before using any type of teeth whitening product.
