One of the ingredients used in more active teeth whitening products is Carbamide peroxide. It is a very strong chemical compound that includes the bonding of hydrogen peroxide and urea. It is used in most whitening products in form of gel, liquid or power. The Carbamide Peroxide gel is very active for teeth cleansing and whitening and is therefore loved by many people with discolored teeth over other gel preparations that are either hydrogen peroxide or baking soda based. Because this product is very strong, it is not usually prescribed to be used at home. Dentists usually make sure their patients use it under their supervision so as to avoid potential damages to the enamel and gums.

Teeth stains are caused by substances which includes smoke and strong liquids. An example of such includes cigarettes, coffee, chocolates, beer and colored beverages. All these, over time, can stain the teeth seriously. The teeth whitening action of CP is however very fast in getting off teeth stains. Just before the first 5 applications, the results would have been seen. Although the stains may recur if the patient goes back to habits that caused the teeth stains in the first place, the stains can be removed again by using CP.

How does Carbamide Peroxide teeth whitening work?

CP is made up of urea and peroxide. Urea functions in the reaction as an oxidizing agent while helps the CP to function effectively. The properties of CP breaks into smaller oxygen molecules which gets to attach the areas that are stained in the teeth. Urea, which is the bleaching or oxidizing agent performs the greatest part of this task. Most products that contain CP in percentages up to 20% are active enough not to talk of CP as a product in itself.

Before Using Carbamide Peroxide as a teeth whitening product. CP is very strong and as such should be used with care. There are so many products that have CP as their active ingredient. It is found in compositions that vary from 15% to 25% although it is believe that products that contains less that 20% of CP is not going to be as effective as ones that holds about 25% of this substance. However, before you use CP or products that contain CP, you must seek advice from a dentist. Using this Carbamide Peroxide teeth whitening without professional advice could put your gum, mouth and teeth in great danger. There are reported cases of irritated gums, inside of lips and soft tissues of the mouth due to excessive exposure to CP.

You can go ahead and use products that contain CP in lower concentrations at home but higher concentrations need the guide of your dentist.

Contact of Carbamide Peroxide with the Enamel

Word has it that the Enamel can get damaged when CP comes in contact with it. This is not true. The enamel is the most sensitive part of the teeth and it is that part which comes in contact with the truth brush when brushing your teeth. It is only a misconception that CP does damage to the enamel. There has been no evidence to back this up. Therefore, if you dentist guides you to use CP, you have got nothing to worry about; even if you have to take it home to use. If you don't