Tooth bleaching
Tooth bleaching is a whitening treatment that uses peroxide gel to lighten some discoloration after the teeth and gums have been assessed.
The short answer
Bleaching is the chemical lightening of natural tooth structure, usually with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The gel breaks down stain compounds in enamel and dentin, but it does not change the color of fillings, crowns, veneers, or bonding.
What should a dentist check before bleaching teeth?
A dentist can examine for decay, cracks, gum disease, exposed roots, and restorations before selecting custom trays, an in-office protocol, or both. Follow the prescribed wear time, use the recommended gel amount, and report sensitivity rather than extending treatment yourself.
What should you do about unusual tooth discolouration?
Get an examination if discoloration affects one tooth, follows an injury, or comes with pain. Stop and contact the dental team for severe sensitivity, gum burns, or symptoms that persist after the course.
Which types of tooth discolouration need dental advice?
Ask what type of discoloration is present and which surfaces will not whiten. Ask about tray fit, gel strength, expected sensitivity, replacement of mismatched restorations, and maintenance instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main factor to consider?
Can bleaching remove every stain?
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.