Get teeth professionally whitened
Professional whitening is a planned peroxide treatment for natural teeth after a dentist checks gums, enamel, decay, and restorations.
The short answer
Professional tooth whitening uses a dentist-selected peroxide gel, with the gums protected and exposure controlled after checking that the teeth and mouth are suitable for treatment.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide diffuses through enamel and dentine and breaks down coloured organic molecules. It does not lighten ceramic, composite, metal, or existing fillings, and sensitivity depends on tooth condition, gel concentration, exposure, and technique.
What can you do next?
The dentist examines the mouth, treats active disease, records shade, protects soft tissue, and applies in-office gel or provides a fitted home tray. Use only the instructed amount and schedule, and report sensitivity so the plan can be modified rather than adding more product.
When should you seek dental care?
Delay whitening until tooth decay, gum disease, cracks, or exposed roots have been assessed. Seek care for severe sensitivity, gum burns, spontaneous tooth pain, swelling, or a dark tooth that has not been diagnosed.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether whitening will match your restorations, what treatment method is proposed, how sensitivity will be managed, and whether stains need restorative or internal treatment instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can whitening fix brown or grey teeth?
It may help some external or age-related stains, but grey or trauma-related discoloration may need a different diagnosis and treatment.
Can I whiten with cavities?
A dentist should assess and treat active decay first because peroxide can irritate exposed tooth tissues.