Teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide: Here's how it works

The term "bleaching" was long known only in the context of hair lightening. Later, it became common in dental treatments, and now bleaching products for teeth and for home use are freely available. But what is the actual mechanism behind tooth bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)? We have summarized this for you in an understandable way below.

What happens during tooth bleaching with H2O2?

The natural color of teeth changes over the course of life. Age, genes, and lifestyle influence the degree of discoloration. However, using hydrogen peroxide on the teeth can help to whiten them again.

The active ingredient has a high oxidation potential and is used as a bleaching agent for textiles, paper, wood, hair, and in some countries even for the skin. The oxidation potential correlates with the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. By adding it to the carrier material – in cosmetic teeth whitening, this is usually a gel – the concentration can be adjusted.

The teeth whitening gel is applied to the teeth and the tray and begins to work immediately with the addition of light and the body's own heat. The hydrogen peroxide acts on the surface of the tooth and releases oxygen radicals there. These radicals chemically alter the dark color pigments of the teeth, making them less visible. The result is bleached teeth in a short time.

If you're thinking right now, "Hmm, hydrogen peroxide – isn't that totally harmful?", we can reassure you: In the bleaching system from OnlySmile, the concentration of the active ingredient is below 0.1 percent. At this low amount and with the short exposure time, there is no evidence that the gel attacks or even damages the teeth. So you can bleach your teeth without any worries and with unclouded anticipation!

Note: The bleaching only works on natural teeth – crowns or implants cannot be artificially whitened.

Are you curious? Take a look at our Online shop for teeth whitening to discover the changing monthly offers. Here you can save big!