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Step 1
To use products to whiten your teeth, staining happens first. There are two layers of enamel on the teeth. The top layer protects the layer underneath. Over the top layer, something called dentin forms. This is caused by plaque, build up and staining caused by the foods you eat and the things you drink. Coffee and soda are the two main culprits. Brushing your teeth frequently can also prevent staining, but over time, everyone eventually gets stained teeth.
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Step 1
All products designed to whiten your teeth contain one of two things: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. If using carbamide peroxide, the product will use 10 percent. If the whitening product uses hydrogen peroxide, it will use about 3 percent. Both substances use either heat or light to oxidize. This means, as the compounds break down, they create oxygen bubbles. This oxidation is the whitening agent in all whitening products.
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Step 1
As the carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen, that oxygen moves into the enamel and dentin. Enamel and dentin have tiny pores that allow the whitening agent to enter. Once the oxygen penetrates the surface, it begins to break up the stained particles. As stated earlier, oxidation thrives on light or heat. When tooth stains break up, more light is allowed to enter the enamel of the tooth. This creates more and more whitening power.
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Step 1
The effects of whitening products can be seen immediately, although some products continue working over the next few days. Whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide work much more quickly, but also stop working earlier. Their results are less predictable, but can be more effective as well. Whitening products that contain carbamide peroxide work more slowly, but continue to whiten for days. In the dental community, a carbamide peroxide is a bit more reliable and safe than products containing hydrogen peroxide. Either way, the whitening effect can last up to three years. Depending on your diet, however, you may have to repeat the process sooner to maintain white teeth. You should not use teeth whitening products more than recommended on the individual package. This could damage the top layer of your enamel and actually cause your teeth to appear bluish or yellow.
