From Dull to Dazzling: Your Guide to Safe Teeth Whitening
- Brittany McCall
- Nov 17, 2025
- 3 min read
By: Brittany M.
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic concerns patients bring up during a dental exam. But what exactly is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening also known as dental bleaching is a cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of discolored teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth discoloration refers to changes in the color or translucency of individual teeth, multiple teeth, or even the entire dentition.
Understanding the type of tooth discoloration is the first step in determining the best whitening treatment. Tooth stains generally fall into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic and some people have a combination of both.
Types of Stains and How to Treat Them:
1. Extrinsic Stains
These are surface stains that affect the outer layer of the teeth (enamel) and are caused by external factors such as:
Coffee
Tea
Red wine or juices
Cola
Tobacco products
Severity may depend on color, lifestyle habits, and oral hygiene. According to a 2018 systemic review, patients may see results between 5 days and 8 weeks.
Treatment options include:
Brushing with whitening toothpaste * ( this depends on the ingredients of the toothpaste)
Professional dental cleanings
Enamel microabrasion
2. Intrinsic Stains
These stains originate from within the tooth structure, often affecting the dentin. Causes include:
Genetics
Tooth trauma or non-vital (dead) teeth
Fluorosis
Aging (as enamel thins and dentin becomes more visible)
Use of certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline) during childhood
Prolonged use of antiseptic mouth rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine)
Tooth decay
Treatment requires deeper bleaching agents, such as:
Peroxide (Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide ), carbamide peroxide can breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, the active agent that penetrates enamel and oxidizes internal pigments (chromophores), effectively whitening the tooth from the inside out.
Whitening Treatment Options that uses Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide :
1.Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products
These typically contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents:
Whitening strips
Brush-on gels
Whitening trays
Pro Tip: Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which confirms they are safe and effective when used as directed.
2. In-Office & Dentist-Supervised At-Home Whitening
These offer higher concentrations of bleaching agents and better protection for the gums:
Custom trays with gel (used at home or in-office)
In-office light-activated bleaching
Power bleaching: application of a concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution for 15–30 minutes under controlled conditions
These methods ensure better results and minimize risk to soft tissues.
Risks & Side Effects:
While generally safe when supervised, teeth whitening does carry some temporary side effects, including:
1.Tooth Sensitivity
If using whitening strips or custom-trays products, then sensitivity can begin within 2–3 days of starting treatment but then subsides within 4 days afterwards.
Influenced by gel concentration, exposure time, and pre-existing restorations
2.Gum Irritation
Caused by contact between peroxide gels and gum tissue
Tooth whitening can dramatically improve your smile, but it’s important to choose the right method based on your stain type, oral health, and risk tolerance. Always consult your dentist before starting any whitening treatment, especially if you have fillings, crowns, gum disease, or tooth sensitivity.
References:
American Dental Association. (2022, August 16). Whitening. ADA.org. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening
Casado, B. G. S., Moraes, S. L. D., Souza, G. F. M., Guerra, C. M. F., Souto-Maior, J. R., Lemos, C. A. A., Vasconcelos, B. C. E., & Pellizzer, E. P. (2018). Efficacy of dental bleaching with whitening dentifrices: A systematic review. International Journal of Dentistry, 2018, 7868531. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7868531
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
