If you use social media, you are fully aware of the vanity that we pour into our looks. Some of us are so self-conscious that we use photo filters to smooth our skin and give our appearance an airbrushed look. Therefore, when a recent study performed by Mintel/Greenfield Online revealed that 67% of Americans had whitened their teeth, it came as no surprise.1
Look not at me to cast out shame, for I am as guilty as the next and feel that whiter teeth can help instill confidence in a person’s smile.
History of Teeth Whitening
How did we get here? While many attempted to whiten their teeth using various methods, teeth whitening did not officially hit the consumer market until the 1980s. During the 1960s, peroxide was used as an oral antiseptic gel to treat gingival tissue. When the gel came in contact with the enamel, it was discovered that the surface was whitened after a patient was asked to use an overnight soak of carbamide peroxide for gingival health.3
This discovery eventually led to the use of peroxide gels to achieve whiter teeth. Prior to this, teeth whitening was achieved through various method
Hydrogen Peroxide vs. PAP+
While both peroxide and PAP+ are effective in whitening teeth, some studies reveal that PAP+ is superior to HP. PAP+ has been shown to alter a range of chromogens, including polyphenols. Polyphenols are organic molecules found in food and beverages such as red wine and tea. They can be oxidized by phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid to quinones and then potentially undergo further rearrangement reactions.8
Studies also conclude that PAP+ does not alter the integrity of the enamel, while peroxide-based agents reduce the microhardness of the enamel.8 PAP+ works quickly and has been proven to enhance the enamel color by eight shades in just six 10-minute treatments.8 Considering the relative newness of this agent, ongoing studies may be necessary to validate its safety and effectiveness further.
Teeth Whitening Today
The active ingredient in most teeth-whitening agents today is peroxide, which is delivered as either hydrogen peroxide (HP) or carbamide peroxide (CP). Both agents work to oxidize the chromogens ‒ or darker shades of the tooth ‒ by relying on free radicals to produce a lighter shade.5
Carbamide peroxide is an adduct of
hydrogen peroxide; in other words, it is a stable complex that breaks down in contact with water to release hydrogen peroxide.5 Therefore, almost all whitening agents contain hydrogen peroxide.
These agents can be found in multiple delivery methods, including in-office whitening, take-home custom trays, whitening strips, prefabricated trays, pens, and pastes. Unfortunately, peroxide-based whitening agents have been known to create reversible pulpitis or tooth sensitivity
