TOOTH WHITENING INGREDIENTS
- Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent with antimicrobial effects [Gaffar, 1997] that has been used historically, at high concentrations, for the treatment of severe gingivitis. It is an effective bleaching agent that can penetrate enamel to bleach intrinsic stains.
- Papain is a naturally occurring enzyme that dissolves protein. There is some evidence to show that the combination of papain and citrate can remove superficial tooth staining.
- Sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) slows the growth of crystals and so inhibits the formation and growth of hard deposits of mineralized plaque (calculus). [Kohut et al., 1997] At higher concentrations, STP breaks down the stain matrix. It does this by removing calcium bridges between the stain molecules and surface proteins on the teeth, making the stain easier to remove.