Side effects of carbamide peroxide teeth whitening

Everyone wishes to have a whiter, healthier smile to show off to the world. Time, however, have a way of stripping away the brightness of the teeth, making the smile dull. Fortunately, there are ways to make your teeth whiter once again. One method of achieving this is by using carbamide peroxide teeth whitening agent. If you are considering using this whitening method, it is important to understand how it works and also to be aware any possible side effects or issues which may arise from its use. Every teeth whitening method comes with the possibility of experiencing a side effect, but having an understanding of them before use can help you to lessen or avoid any adverse effects.

Teeth have a hard, white surface which consists of enamel. From the start, the surface of your teeth is perfectly strong and intact, protecting the soft dentin and inner roots of the teeth. As time passes, however, small crevices are etched into the enamel, which then fills up with waste from food and beverages. If you smoke tobacco, or you eat or drink a lot of dark substances, the material which builds up over time dulls and darkens the teeth even more. Using abrasive methods such as whitening toothpaste to clean and whiten the teeth causes enamel loss. The least abrasive methods use oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth.

Carbamide peroxide is similar to hydrogen peroxide, except that it comes in a powdery form. This form makes it easier to use and handle than hydrogen peroxide, which comes in a liquid form. When carbamide is mixed in water, it is chemically transformed into hydrogen peroxide, and becomes a highly powerful oxidizing and whitening agent. It can either be used in high concentrations for a short period of time to whiten teeth, or in lower concentrations over longer periods.

When using high concentrations quickly, the results are very fast, usually taking an hour or less. However, this rapid method increases the risk of teeth sensitivity. Dentin, which is a soft substance found below the enamel of the tooth, dries out and can cause an increase in enamel damage. This dehydration and cracking can expose the sensitive roots found under the dentin to outer elements, such as air, causing sensitivity. Whitening more slowly with smaller concentrations does not usually result in this effect.

The most unpleasant side effects of rapid carbamide whitening are sensitivity and pain. Although both bleach and abrasive methods do cause enamel damage, the effects of bleaching are slower and less than abrasions. If you want to avoid the discomfort associated with the use of carbamide peroxide to whiten your teeth, you may want to consider using lower concentrations at a slower pace.

Denzel Archie is a research writer. You can find some of his work at http://www.teethwhitening4all.net/