Carbide peroxide is the main whitening agent in many teeth bleaching products such as Opalescence PF gels, and dentist whitening laser treatments. It is also known as carbamide peroxide, urea peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, percarbamide, etc and is an oxidising agent existing in the form of white crystals that will releases oxygen upon contact with water. Although carbamide peroxide can be used to relieve minor inflammation of gums, slight dental and oral mucosal irritations, most consumers today think of it as a cosmetic teeth bleacher. Carbide peroxide is known to irritate the human skin and respiratory system although it is relatively safe and does not hurt at low concentrations of 10% and below. However, it will be dangerously corrosive and may even cause white chemical burns at high concentrations above 35%. This is the reason why most over DIY teeth whitening products contain lower concentrations of carbide peroxide (typically around 15%) while the prescription whitening series such as opalescence treswhite supreme that contains 35% peroxide are only available at the dentist clinics because they require careful control and usage as well as the expertise of your dentist to use for maximum whitening and safety results. The magic opalescence pf 15% concentration for DIY teeth gels is a result of market research and fine tuning after receiving complains of teeth aches and burns from consumers that have bought into "high potency" teeth gels.
Carbide peroxide is converted to hydrogen peroxide upon application onto the teeth surface, which then oxidise interprismatic extrinsic stains within the tooth enamel layer. The degree of teeth bleaching depends on the duration of time whereby the peroxide compound remains on the teeth surface, the concentration of peroxide used, as well as the controversial issue of whether any activating laser or blue light photocatalysts are used to quicken the oxidization effects. However, if you are doing at home teeth whitening with a carbide peroxide based teeth whitening gel, do not exceed the maximum usage time as stipulated in the product instructions.
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