The Science of Tooth Whitening

There are many reasons why teeth can stain or become discolored. Certain foods, habits, and medications can all cause teeth discoloration, whether on the surface of the tooth or below the enamel. Many patients are interested in the dental services, such as tooth whitening, that accompany cosmetic dentistry near San Jose. Watch the short video to learn more about the science behind tooth whitening.

If the tooth has mild surface stains, also called extrinsic stains, then these can often be removed with mild abrasives found in whitening toothpastes. Intrinsic stains—those found under the enamel surface—can be removed with different bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These chemicals can be found in a dentist’s office, where teeth whitening is a safe dental service.