Teeth whitening occurs in two ways; the first is by removing tooth stains on the outer layer of the tooth as well as below the enamel surface, and the second is by preventing the generation of new stains. It is achieved via stain removal, stain bleaching, and stain protection.
How Stain Removal Works
Stain removal on the outer layer of the tooth uses both chemical and physical actions such as abrasion and chemical stain disruption. These different actions destroy or disrupt the stain, which is outer layer of the enamel, exposing brighter, whiter teeth.
To remove stubborn stains that accumulate below the enamel, the surface requires bleaching. Bleaching is the chemical process in which color is removed by oxidation of stain molecules. Whitening methods vary in their concentration of hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent, allowing you to regulate how white you want your smile to be.
Teeth whitening methods include professional treatments from your dental professional, whitening toothpaste, whitestrips, and at-home whitening systems.
What Causes Staining?
Teeth staining comes from a variety of different sources. To help keep your smile bright and beautiful, try avoiding stain-causing foods and activities. These activities include certain foods and drinks, tobacco, poor dental hygiene, and certain illnesses. If you do indulge in any of these, be sure to brush soon after.