As many people know hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that is used in many applications from bleaching paper to dyeing hair.
However, it may surprise some to learn that hydrogen peroxide is also a key ingredient in most of the home teeth whitening kits that are available on the market today.
It may seem strange that such a harsh chemical compound could be used safely in a person's mouth, however the teeth bleaching kits that you can buy for home use actually have a very diluted concentration of hydrogen peroxide that is much gentler on your gums, and will not damage the interior of your mouth.
Other tooth whitening kits use a compound called carbamide peroxide that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide as it makes contact with your mouth.
So, I've established that it is safe, but does this diluted concentration actually work to whiten teeth? Yes, even though it is in a concentration low enough to hold in your mouth, the hydrogen peroxide in these kits will whiten your teeth.
The majority of these teeth whiteners are applied to the teeth by filling up teeth trays with a whitening gel and then fitting these teeth trays over the teeth and leaving them for a specified amount of time while the hydrogen peroxide-based gel works.
So, if you have been considering a home teeth whitening kit, but were questioning the safety and/or the efficacy of a hydrogen peroxide-based product you can rest at ease.
These teeth whiteners are no different than those used in your dentist's office.
Follow the instructions carefully and you can safely and easily achieve the brighter smile you desire.