Learn about the two types of teeth whitening gel, carbamide and hydrogen peroxide that whiten teeth quickly and safely

Peroxide is the active ingredient in nearly all tooth whitening products.

There are two types -carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, but both work essentially the same way. The peroxide breaks down, allowing oxygen into the enamel of your teeth, bleaching them.

Used properly and in safe concentrations, it will not damage the enamel or any other part of your teeth.

Carbamide peroxide is an an aqueous based gel however the active ingredient is still hydrogen peroxide. The basic calculation in term of strength is that hydrogen peroxide is 3 times stronger than carbamide peroxide.

Most carbamide peroxide based home & dental teeth whitening kits range from 10% - 22% in strength, although as high as 35% can be found for those with tougher tooth stains.

Hydrogen peroxide based kits tend to range between 6 - 14% in strength and can be found in kits such as Crest Whitening Strips & teeth whitening pens. Again stronger products are available and produce faster results however they increase the possibilities of tooth sensitivity.

Recent studies under taken reveal that whilst hydrogen peroxide based teeth whitening kits tend to work faster, in the long run there is no discernible difference in the results.

Dental teeth whitening involves the use of both of these types of ingredients. Home teeth whitening kits use exactly the same, and generally the same brands & manufacturers.