Differences Between Whitening and Bleaching

A brighter smile is one of the most common requests when it comes to oral care. Products
billed as “teeth whitening” and sometimes as “teeth bleaching” promise whiter and more
brilliant teeth.
The word bleaching is a bit misleading. Many people think of chlorine bleach, which should
never, ever, be in someone’s mouth. The term “teeth bleaching” stems from the fact that
teeth bleaching products usually contain hydrogen peroxide, which is also an ingredient in
non-chlorine bleach. But make no mistake, dental products and bleach are not the same. 
Whitening teeth is the goal of both whitening and bleaching. So what are the differences?
When it comes to the practice of making teeth whiter, the words whitening and bleaching
are often used interchangeably. Even the American Dental Association does not
distinguish between them in its documents. Defining the differences between them is
more about how the terms are used in dental practices and product marketing than their
actual definitions. 
Among dentists and in product descriptions, teeth whitening is typically the practice of
removing surface stains to restore teeth to their natural shade. Tooth bleaching goes a step
beyond by using chemical agents to lighten the color of the tooth enamel, sometimes
beyond teeth’s natural color. 

Teeth Whitening and Bleaching Products

Products that will lighten teeth range from toothpaste and rinses that can be bought over-
the-counter, to chemical and laser treatments done at the dentist’s office. Store-bought
items fall into the category of teeth whitening. Many of them will clean off the surface stains
caused by coffee, red wine, and tobacco that can make teeth dull and discolored. These
products are inexpensive and safe. Their effectiveness, however, will depend on the type
and severity of the stains.
Teeth-whitening strips are an over-the-counter option that costs a bit more but can work
well. These thin plastic strips are coated on one side with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes included in toothpaste too but in much smaller amounts.
In larger amounts, it is the bleaching agent used in dentist applied products. The use of
these stronger chemicals makes whitening strips lean more toward bleaching rather than
simply whitening.
Dentists use products to whiten teeth that contain much stronger chemical agents than
what can be bought at the drugstore. The methods they use are more likely to be called
“bleaching.” Bleaching treatments are administered at the dentist’s office, usually in a
series of visits. In some cases, a dentist will prescribe at-home treatments that the patient
can do themselves. Because these methods use a higher concentration of hydrogen
peroxide, they often have better results than other options. 
Recently, professional-strength bleaching products have sprung up in non-dental settings.
Much like other non-surgical cosmetic treatments (such as Botox or Juvederm), teeth
bleaching is being offered in salons, spas, mall kiosks, and even on cruise ships. It is
important to research any provider who is not a licensed dental professional and proceed
with caution.
Getting to the Bottom of Tooth Stains
The cause of a patient’s tooth stains will sometimes determine whether a whitening
product is enough, or if bleaching might do a better job at cleaning the teeth. Tooth stains
can come from outside (extrinsic) or inside (intrinsic) sources. Extrinsic tooth stains are
the ones that coffee drinkers and smokers notice. Intrinsic stains are caused by things
outside a person’s control, like heredity, aging, or certain medical conditions.
Extrinsic stains are the easiest to remove. When stains aren’t bad, whitening toothpaste
may be all that’s needed to see results. Often, a trip to the dentist for a professional
cleaning can make a big difference. Dental hygienists use polishing tools and abrasive
pastes that can get rid of a lot of stains.
Intrinsic stains are tougher to tackle, so a professional product might be needed to see
results. Dentists use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide at a much higher
concentration than what is available commercially. They may also use ultraviolet light or
lasers to amplify the chemical’s strength for more dramatic results.
Some stains may not go away no matter what method or product is used. Medications such
as tetracycline will permanently discolor teeth. It should also be noted that whitening or
bleaching can change the shade of natural teeth, but will not have any effect on tooth-
colored dental work. 
Whitening and Bleaching Safety
Teeth whitening and bleaching products are safe when used correctly. Over-the-counter
rinses and toothpaste are the safest and can be used by just about anyone. More aggressive
products and methods might cause problems for some individuals. As with any treatment
involving chemicals, it’s best to be aware of possible side effects and health concerns.
Some people experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after whitening and bleaching
their teeth. This could be a result of chemical solutions that are too strong or treatments
that are too frequent. It could also mean that the patient might simply have a low tolerance
for that particular product. Discomfort for these reasons is usually short-lived and can be
treated with anti-inflammatory medication.
Existing cavities or eroded tooth enamel could result in more serious side effects. Because
whitening agents penetrate teeth, they can result in extreme pain. They can even cause
permanent root damage.
Professional Treatments for Whiter Teeth
Although it will cost more, visiting a dentist for teeth whitening or teeth bleaching has
some advantages, the most notable being safety.
A dentist will first examine a patient’s teeth to make sure everything is healthy. They will
treat things like tooth decay or gingivitis first before even considering teeth bleaching. With
a do-it-yourself approach, a patient might see whiter teeth, but the underlying issue will
still be there. 
As part of their procedures, dentists take extra care to protect the soft tissues of the mouth
from the chemicals they use. They also can keep an eye on the teeth to make sure there is
no erosion. 
A dentist will be able to determine the cause of a patient’s stains and know which
treatment option will show the best results. And because they can use stronger
concentrations in the office, patients often see faster, more noticeable changes. Once the
treatments start, they can gauge the progress and tweak the product strength or
appointment frequency to suit the patient’s goals.There is a teeth whitening or teeth
bleaching product out there for just about every mouth—whether the teeth need a little
brightening or a whole new shade. For people looking for a big change in the color of their
teeth in the safest possible way, it’s best to consult a professional. Use our online tool to
find a dentist near you.