The Science of Teeth Whitening
This page is for anyone curious about the science behind teeth whitening. It introduces the two pages in this section, on why teeth change colour and on how peroxide acts on stains. A 2006 research review concluded that the literature suggests peroxide diffuses through enamel and oxidises coloured molecules, particularly in the dentine.
5.0 from 550+ Google reviews
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door
CQC & GDC registered
No referral needed
Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, dentist · GDC 301711
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
This page is reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, the practice's principal dentist and a General Dental Practitioner (GDC 301711). His qualifications are BDS, BSc (Hons), MSc (Leeds), PG Dip Implant Dentistry and PG Cert Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.
What does the whitening science section cover?
The whitening science section covers why teeth change colour and how peroxide whitening gels act on stains. It does not explain who can have whitening, how treatment is carried out, its safety or its cost.
Which pages does the whitening science section hold?
The whitening science section holds two pages: one on stain types, one on peroxide chemistry.
Stain types and why they matter
A 2001 British Dental Journal review concluded that knowing a stain's cause helps a dentist diagnose discolouration, and that how a stain formed may, in some cases, affect treatment outcome and options. Causes are explained on the page about intrinsic and extrinsic staining.
Peroxide and oxidation
A 2006 Journal of Dentistry review concluded that the literature suggests peroxide whitens teeth by diffusing through enamel and oxidising coloured molecules, particularly in the dentine. A 2019 review calls these chromophores. The chemistry is explained on the page about peroxide, oxidation and colour change.
To ask about teeth whitening, book online or call 0114 288 2121.
Frequently asked questions
Can a science page tell you whether whitening will work on your teeth?
No. Research reviews describe stains and peroxide in general terms, not the teeth of any one person. A 2006 review concluded that initial tooth colour, a person's age and the type of stain are among the factors that can influence the outcome of bleaching.
Is all teeth whitening chemical?
No. A 2019 chemistry review in Dentistry Journal concluded that two main approaches can be distinguished: chemical bleaching with peroxides, and mechanical cleaning with toothpaste abrasives. It concluded that mechanical cleaning relies on suitable abrasives that are harder than stains but less hard than enamel, and that current toothpaste formulations are always a compromise between cleaning and unwanted tooth abrasion.
How certain is the science of teeth whitening?
Parts of it remain uncertain. A 2019 chemistry review concluded that the way many whitening agents act inside the mouth is still unknown, and called for more studies of their mechanisms. It also found that whitening studies are not always easy to interpret, because they are not always randomised and often change more than one factor at once.
Book a consultation.
Online in under a minute, or call and speak to a real person.
You can call Deepcar Dental Care on 0114 288 2121, message the practice on WhatsApp on +44 7438 552581, or email [email protected].
334 Manchester Road
Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RH
0114 288 2121
Contact us
Opening hours
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door