Carbamide peroxide, also known as urea hydrogen peroxide and urea peroxide, is an oxidizer. It is a type of compound comprised of urea and hydrogen peroxide. This compound is considered an effective cleaning agent, and most dentists use it for tooth bleaching procedures. When it reacts with water, carbamide peroxide dissolves into its composite parts, supplying the hydrogen peroxide that is necessary for teeth whitening procedures. The reason why this compound is preferred is that it has more stable molecules compared to hydrogen peroxide.

The produced hydrogen peroxide oxidizes extrinsic stains on the enamel. Different methods are used to apply the peroxide gel, from in-surgery application to night-guard application. The effect from the procedure is proportional to the amount of time the gel remains on the teeth. The gel’s concentration also determines the effect. For teeth whitening, concentrations very between 10 percent and 35 percent. However, higher concentrations come with a higher risk of producing side effects, e.g. chemical burns. A concentration of 10 percent is considered safe.

Hydrogen peroxide is another oxidizer which is used as a bleaching agent. It is the simplest type of peroxide and represents a clear liquid that is colorless in dilute solutions. The bleaching agent has a strong oxidizing capacity and is considered a highly reactive chemical. Some studies suggest that high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can increase the porosity of teeth, thus changing the enamel. Concentrations higher than 38 percent were found to result in teeth demineralization and calcium loss.

The Federal Drug Administration has approved hydrogen peroxide gels with concentration under 16 percent and carbamide peroxide with concentration below 16 percent.

Most over-the-counter products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations of 3 percent or 3.5 percent. These are easy to find in most pharmacies and drugstores. When used, they have whitening effect, killing germs and bacteria that are found on the teeth and in the mouth cavity.

Other physical and chemical agents are used for tooth whitening as well. Toothpastes usually contain small amounts of calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, silica, and calcium phosphate. They act to clean off stains from colored molecules which are absorbed with the food.

Instead of having beef, you may go for port or chicken meat as they are lighter in color. You may love having blueberry muffins for breakfast, but they will stain your teeth. Marinades and sauces containing balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and beets should be avoided as well. If you are into Indian or Spanish food, try to stay away from them for some time.

Dark colored soups and dark chocolates should be avoided too as they leave behind residue. Due to their acidic properties, citrus fruits discolor your teeth’s enamel. It is important to limit their consumption, particularly before going to bed. If you should have them in your diet, don’t forget to brush your teeth and rinse after having them.

Changing red wine for white wine is a good choice. You can consume clear liquids, which exclude the juice of cherries, grapes, cranberries, or cranes. Soy sauce and coke should be avoided, as well as popsicles and slushes which contain dyes. When you drink liquids, you should use a straw. This minimizes enamel’s breakdown and reduces the amount of liquid that reaches the surface of your teeth.

You can replace spinach with celery, blueberries with strawberries, and tomatoes with cucumber. Naturally, brushing your teeth is important, but the effect is greater if you stick to a proper diet.

Finally, deserts, chocolates, and all kinds of sweets are sticky. They tend to attract bacteria if you do not brush your teeth after eating them. Sweets damage your teeth’s enamel and discolor your teeth as well.

Drink plenty of water, take vitamins, and eat protein-rich foods that will keep your teeth in good condition. This way, they will be healthy and in less need of dental treatment.