The Science Behind Teeth Whitening: Insights from Southampton Dentists

The pursuit of a dazzling white smile has led many individuals to seek teeth whitening treatments. As dental professionals in Southampton, we have seen a steady increase in patient demands for this particular service, consequently sparking interest in the science behind teeth whitening. Herein, we unravel the intricacies of teeth whitening, providing a clear picture of the underlying principles that make it such a sought-after procedure.

Firstly, let’s tackle the primary cause behind stained or yellowed teeth – Chromogens. Chromogens are compounds with strong pigments that attach to your enamel, primarily sourced from dark-coloured beverages like red wine, coffee, and tea. Other causes include poor oral hygiene and habits such as smoking. At a deeper level, the chromogens bind into the tooth’s enamel, which is the white, hard outer dentist southampton layer of your teeth, causing discolouration.

The principle of teeth whitening lies in the removal of these chromogens. To effectively carry out this feat, two main bleaching agents are commonly implemented: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. In depth, when hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with your teeth, it naturally breaks down into water and a radical called “free oxygen”. The free oxygen radical is extremely reactive, hence binding to the stained molecules and disintegrating the bonds that hold them together.

When it comes to carbamide peroxide, its reaction is a bit more complex. Inside the mouth, this compound breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with the former carrying out the same whitening function as previously explained.

Arguably less understood by many is the role of blue LED light in teeth whitening procedures. These blue lights, specifically those within the spectrum of 480 nm to 520 nm, are seen in many contemporary whitening procedures. Their primary role is not to bleach the teeth directly but to act as a catalyst, accelerating and enhancing the chemical reaction triggered by bleaching agents.

The use of light energy accelerates the process of hydrogen peroxide breaking down into free oxygen radicals. It promotes faster and deeper penetration of these radicals into the tooth’s enamel, hence boosting the tooth whitening efficiency. Therefore, a teeth whitening procedure that employs both chemical agents and LED light will likely yield more significant results compared to a procedure that only uses chemical agents, because the light speeds up the entire process.

Professional teeth whitening administered by a certified dentist is more advantageous as they can safely use higher concentrations of the bleaching agents for a more effective outcome, unlike over-the-counter whitening kits. Furthermore, a dentist will ensure a custom fit for the application trays, providing even whitening and minimizing solution exposure to the gums.

In conclusion, the science behind teeth whitening is a fascinating fusion of biochemistry and light physics. It uses potent yet safe oxidation reactions facilitated by light energy to break down the pigmented compounds that dull your teeth. As dental professionals from Southampton, we are committed to using these corroborated scientific insights to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.