What is Carbamide Peroxide Gel?

A bright, white smile is often associated with health, youth, and confidence. Over time, however, our teeth naturally accumulate stains from food, drinks, and habits like smoking. This is where teeth whitening products, such as carbamide peroxide gel, come in to help restore that bright, clean look. 

One of the most popular and effective options on the market is teeth whitening gel containing carbamide peroxide. But what exactly is teeth whitening gel, and why is carbamide peroxide the key ingredient that makes it so effective?

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind teeth whitening gel, breaking down the key ingredients such as carbamide peroxide, glycerine, and mint flavor. We’ll also compare carbamide peroxide-based formulas with non-peroxide alternatives to explain why the former remains superior.

What Is Carbamide Peroxide Gel?

Teeth whitening gel is a formulation designed to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. It’s often used in both professional dental teewth whitening applications and at-home whitening treatments. While the specifics of the gel’s ingredients can vary, the active ingredient in many high-quality whitening gels is carbamide peroxide, which is a compound used to release hydrogen peroxide, the actual whitening agent. These gels are applied to the teeth either directly or using a tray that fits over the teeth.

In addition to the whitening agent, teeth whitening gels may also contain other ingredients that enhance the application, stabilize the formula, and improve user experience. These include:

• Glycerine: Often used as a humectant to retain moisture.
• Mint flavor: Added to give the product a fresh, pleasant taste during application.

Let’s dive into the scientific role of each of these ingredients.

The Science of Carbamide Peroxide

What Is Carbamide Peroxide?

Carbamide peroxide is a compound formed by combining hydrogen peroxide with urea. This combination is more stable than hydrogen peroxide alone, allowing for controlled and gradual release of hydrogen peroxide over time. In a teeth whitening gel, carbamide peroxide typically breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea when it comes into contact with water or saliva.

The chemical structure of carbamide peroxide allows it to maintain stability during storage, making it a preferred option in at-home teeth whitening kits where long shelf life is desirable.

How Does Carbamide Peroxide Whiten Teeth?

Once the carbamide peroxide in teeth whitening gel is applied to the teeth, it undergoes a chemical reaction where it decomposes into hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the true whitening agent because it acts as a powerful oxidizing agent that penetrates the tooth’s enamel and dentin layers.

Here’s how the process works step by step:

1. Decomposition: When carbamide peroxide comes into contact with water or saliva in the mouth, it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea.
2. Oxidation of Stains: Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen. The oxygen molecules penetrate the enamel and reach the dentin layer, where they react with pigmented organic molecules that cause stains. These pigmented molecules are oxidized, meaning their chemical structure changes. This reaction breaks down the double bonds of the chromophores (color-causing molecules), rendering them colorless or less visible.
3. Whitening Effect: The result of this oxidation process is that the stains embedded in the tooth’s enamel and dentin layers become lighter or completely disappear, restoring the tooth’s natural whiteness.

Why Is Carbamide Peroxide Superior to Other Whitening Agents?

Carbamide peroxide has a slower release of hydrogen peroxide compared to using hydrogen peroxide directly. This slower breakdown allows for prolonged exposure to the whitening agent, making it more effective for at-home treatments, where consumers may want to leave the gel on their teeth for a longer period without causing irritation. Additionally, carbamide peroxide is less reactive than hydrogen peroxide, making it a safer option for those with sensitive teeth or gums.

In The Whitening Store’s formulations, carbamide peroxide is used at concentrations ranging from 16% to 44%, depending on the desired strength and treatment duration. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is used in stronger professional treatments due to its rapid reactivity.

Glycerine: The Moisture Retainer

What Is Glycerine?

Glycerine, or glycerol, is a simple polyol compound, often used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. It is known for its hygroscopic properties, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. In teeth whitening gels, glycerine serves as a key ingredient to maintain the texture and consistency of the gel.

The Whitening Store’s teeth whitening gel incormporates plant-derived vegan glycerine in its teeth whitening gel that is Kosher, never tested on animals, gluten-free and safe for the vegan community.

How Does Glycerine Work in Whitening Gels?

The primary function of glycerine in teeth whitening gel is to act as a humectant. It prevents the gel from drying out during storage and application, ensuring that the whitening agent remains active for the duration of the treatment. Glycerine also helps to maintain the gel's viscosity, allowing it to adhere to the teeth surfaces properly without running or dripping.

In addition to these roles, glycerine has a mild sweet taste, which can help counterbalance the potential bitterness of other chemical components in the gel, making the treatment more pleasant for users.

Mint Flavor: Enhancing the Experience

Teeth whitening gels typically contain mint flavoring to improve the overall sensory experience. Mint provides a refreshing, clean taste and helps to mask the chemical flavor of the whitening agents, making the treatment more comfortable.

How Does Mint Work in Whitening Gels?

Mint flavorings, usually derived from essential oils like peppermint or spearmint, do not have a direct effect on the whitening process but significantly improve the whitening experience. A more pleasant taste ensures that users are more likely to complete their treatment regimen without discomfort or aversion. Mint also leaves a lasting fresh breath sensation, which is a desirable side effect of using teeth whitening products.

Carbamide Peroxide vs. Non-Peroxide Teeth Whitening Formulas

With increasing interest in more natural or less aggressive cosmetic treatments, non-peroxide teeth whitening formulas have gained some attention. These formulations often use ingredients like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), activated charcoal, or sodium perborate as alternatives to peroxide-based agents. However, carbamide peroxide still stands out as the superior option for several reasons.

1. Effectiveness

Non-peroxide whitening gels tend to work primarily on surface stains. For example, baking soda is an abrasive substance that can scrub away external stains on the enamel. Activated charcoal works similarly by physically removing external discoloration through adsorption (the process by which materials stick to the surface of the charcoal). While these methods may provide some short-term whitening effects, they do not penetrate the enamel or dentin to oxidize and break down deeper stains, unlike carbamide peroxide.

Carbamide peroxide-based gels are more effective at reaching stains embedded within the tooth's structure. This makes it the preferred choice for more significant whitening results, especially in cases where staining is caused by coffee, wine, tobacco, or the natural aging process.

2. Longevity of Results

Because non-peroxide methods primarily treat surface stains, their effects are often temporary. Without the chemical breakdown of deeper stains, the discoloration can return quickly after treatment. In contrast, carbamide peroxide offers longer-lasting results due to its ability to remove both surface and intrinsic stains. This makes carbamide peroxide-based whitening treatments a better option for maintaining a consistently bright smile over time.

3. Safety

One concern with non-peroxide whitening formulas is that some rely on physical abrasives, which can wear down enamel over time. Excessive use of baking soda or charcoal-based products can lead to enamel erosion, making teeth more susceptible to sensitivity, decay, and further discoloration. In contrast, carbamide peroxide, when used correctly, is non-abrasive and generally safer for enamel, especially in lower concentrations designed for at-home use.

4. Sensitivity

While both peroxide and non-peroxide whitening products can cause sensitivity, carbamide peroxide is often better tolerated than hydrogen peroxide due to its slower release of active ingredients. This means less irritation to the gums and teeth during treatment. In contrast, non-peroxide whitening agents like sodium bicarbonate or sodium perborate may be more abrasive and harsh, potentially leading to increased sensitivity over time.

How to Use Carbamide Peroxide Whitening Gel Safely

For those opting for carbamide peroxide teeth whitening gels, it’s essential to follow usage instructions carefully to avoid any potential side effects such as sensitivity or gum irritation. Most at-home treatments come with trays that fit over the teeth and hold the gel in place for a set amount of time, usually 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the concentration of carbamide peroxide. Here are a few safety tips:

1. Choose the Right Concentration: Lower concentrations (try our 16% carbamide peroxide or 22% carbamide peroxide) are suitable for those with sensitive teeth or for maintenance treatments. Higher concentrations (try our 35% carbamide peroxide or 44% carbamide peroxide) may offer faster results but should be used with caution.
2. Don’t Overuse: Using whitening gel too frequently can lead to tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Most at-home kits recommend using the gel for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the level of staining.Once whiten gresults are achieved it is best to wait 6-12 months until whitening teeth again. 
3. Consult a Dentist: If you have any underlying dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, consult a dentist before starting a teeth whitening treatment.

Conclusion: The Superior Whitening Choice

Carbamide peroxide-based teeth whitening gels are a scientifically proven and highly effective option for achieving a brighter smile. The chemical breakdown of carbamide peroxide into hydrogen peroxide allows for deep penetration into the enamel and dentin, ensuring that both surface and intrinsic stains are targeted. When combined with glycerine for moisture retention and mint flavor for user comfort, carbamide peroxide gels offer a well-rounded and superior whitening experience compared to non-peroxide alternatives.

While non-peroxide formulas may seem appealing due to their natural or less aggressive ingredients, they often fall short in delivering long-lasting and deep whitening results. Carbamide peroxide remains the gold standard for those looking to whiten their teeth fast and keep teeth whitening results for long periods of time.