Teeth become discoloured & stained by the various dyes & pigments that are contained in the foods & drinks we consume daily. These stains can only be removed through two methods: physical removal or chemical whitening/bleaching.
Physical removal targets surface level daily stains through a scrubbing action, whilst chemical whitening works to remove stains within the tooth enamel which are the root cause of discolouration.
Physical removal whitens the teeth through the removal of extrinsic stains, which are stains that exist above the tooth's surface.
Extrinsic stains occur when stain particles, such as pigmented residue from food or drink, build up in the film of protein that covers the tooth enamel. Extrinsic tooth stains are typically caused by tobacco use or by regularly drinking coffee, tea, wine or fizzy drinks. This type of tooth stain is easily removed through regular dental cleaning, such as brushing with our Teeth Whitening Powder.
Whilst physical removal can whiten the teeth through the removal of extrinsic stains (staining above the tooth's surface). Teeth can also be whitened by the chemical bleaching of intrinsic stains (staining within the tooth's surface).
Teeth whitening through chemical bleaching oxidises stains and alters the molecules that are responsible for holding colour. To put it simply, the whitening agents enter through the enamel of teeth and break down these molecules into smaller forms. The smaller the molecule, the lighter in colour it is, and the result is an overall whiter appearance of the tooth.
Some common bleaching agents include Hydrogen Peroxide, and Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid (PAP for short, as found in our Teeth Whitening Strips & Teeth Whitening Pen)
Both PAP whitening and peroxide-based teeth whitening treatments use an oxidising action to break down stains and whiten the tooth's appearance.
As part of this process, peroxide releases something known as free radicals. Free radicals readily attack organic molecules to reduce discolouration but also cause nasty side effects such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and demineralisation of tooth enamel.
PAP similarly reacts with tooth stains, only without the release of free radicals. This means that the molecules responsible for discolouration are broken down safely, without any risk of sensitivity, pain, or damage to the enamel.
Our products are 100% peroxide-free & they always will be. Whilst our Teeth Whitening Powder is excellent at removing stubborn extrinsic stains, our Teeth Whitening Strips & Teeth Whitening Pen remove built-up yellowing & discolouration from within the tooth's surface.
By combining our products together into your routine, you'll achieve the fastest & most effective whitening results by removing both extrinsic & intrinsic tooth stains, all without any nasty side effects.
