At-home teeth whitening products are popular for achieving a brighter smile. This convenience often leads to the misunderstanding that these cosmetic treatments might also remove the bacterial film (plaque) that forms on teeth. This article clarifies the specific function of whitening strips compared to the necessary management of dental plaque.
How Whitening Strips Work
Whitening strips function through oxidation, a chemical process designed to break down the organic molecules causing tooth discoloration. The active ingredients are typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which releases peroxide upon contact with saliva. These compounds penetrate the enamel and dentin, reaching embedded stain molecules, known as chromogens.
The oxygen radicals released by the peroxide react with the chromogens, breaking them apart. This chemical reaction changes the molecules from dark, color-producing compounds into smaller, colorless ones, resulting in a lighter tooth shade. This purely cosmetic process targets both extrinsic stains on the surface and intrinsic stains deeper within the tooth structure.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that continuously forms on the teeth, tongue, and gums. It is a complex microbial biofilm composed primarily of bacteria, proteins from saliva, and food debris. The bacteria feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that erode enamel and irritate the gums.
If plaque is not regularly removed, it can harden through calcification by trapping minerals from the saliva. This hardened substance is called tartar, or calculus, and it forms a strong bond to the tooth surface. Plaque is soft and removable with hygiene, but tartar is a hard, often yellowish deposit requiring professional dental instruments for removal.
Comparing Whitening and Plaque Removal
Whitening strips do not remove plaque because their chemical action targets color molecules, not the physical structure of the bacterial biofilm. Oxidation breaks down organic stains but is ineffective against the dense, sticky bacterial colonies that make up plaque. Plaque removal requires mechanical disruption, such as brushing or flossing, to physically scrape the film off the tooth surface.
Although the peroxide has some temporary antibacterial properties, it is not a reliable method for plaque control. The strips are applied for a short time (typically 20 to 30 minutes), which is insufficient to dismantle the biofilm structure. Using whitening strips may temporarily mask plaque, but the harmful bacterial film remains intact and poses a risk to oral health.
Effective Plaque Management
Managing plaque effectively relies on consistent mechanical removal and proper oral hygiene practices. Brushing twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush is the foundational step for disrupting bacterial colonies. Proper technique involves holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and using gentle, circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces.
Daily flossing or using an interdental cleaner is necessary to remove plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Since tartar cannot be removed at home, regular professional dental cleanings are required every six months to eliminate hardened deposits. Fluoride toothpaste further aids prevention by strengthening enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria.