How can we help you?

Or view all products

24 May ’22

Hydrogen peroxide explained

Whitening treatments have become extremely popular in recent years. The only effective way to whiten teeth is with whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide. There are different variants of whitening gel available, all of which have a number of unique properties. What variants are available and what are the differences?

Hydrogen Peroxide explained

hydrogen peroxide explained

Hydrogen peroxide is an inorganic compound of hydrogen and oxygen. The chemical formula is  H2O2. It is the active ingredient in whitening gel and has been used in the dental industry for years as an effective and safe whitening solution.

Hydrogen peroxide was discovered in 1818 by Louis Thénard. He produced it by combining barium peroxide (BaO2) with nitric acid (HNO₃). Today more than five million tons of hydrogen peroxide are produced worldwide every single year.

During a whitening treatment, hydrogen peroxide (H₂0₂) breaks down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). The radicals released in this reaction break down the large colored molecules in the elements into small uncolored molecules. By repeating this several times, all colored molecules are broken down, the discoloration on the teeth has disappeared and the patient has naturally white teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide for whitening and virus control

Within the dental world, hydrogen peroxide has been used for years to whiten teeth effectively and safely. But there are other uses for hydrogen peroxide in the dental practice, such as pre-procedural rinsing. Research shows that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide helps to prevent the spread of viruses.

Due to recent experiences with the coronavirus, we can no longer ignore the importance of virus prevention. That is why we used our knowledge of mouthwashes and hydrogen peroxide to develop Cavex Oral Pre Rinse.

This pre-procedural mouthwash contains 1.5% stabilized hydrogen peroxide and contributes to more safety in the dental practice. The energy released by the reaction of the hydrogen peroxide penetrates the virus membrane into the core and thus destroys the virus.

different variants of whitening gel

There are several variants of whitening gel available for whitening treatments. Each variant has a number of unique properties. It is important that the different variants of whitening gel with hydrogen peroxide are explained so that dental professionals can advise patients in the best possible way.

Carbamide peroxide (cp)

Most whitening gels contain carbamide peroxide, which consists of hydrogen peroxide and urea. When the carbamide peroxide comes into contact with saliva, hydrogen peroxide is released. More than 50% of the hydrogen peroxide is released during the first two hours. After that, the process can continue for up to six hours. So it is a controlled whitening solution. The shelf life is up to three years when stored in the refrigerator.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone peroxide (pvp)

Polyvinylpyrrolidone peroxide is a polymer. Because of the large molecules, it is a very stable whitening solution. It gives a fast reaction when it comes into contact with saliva. This process accelerates even more due to the high temperature (32℃) in the mouth. Because pvp is stable at room temperature, it can be stored outside the refrigerator. This makes it ideal for on-the-go whitening solutions.

Hydrogen Peroxide Superior (HPS)

In our search for a stable whitening gel, we used our many years of expertise and experience. This has resulted in a revolutionary form of hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen Peroxide Superior.Hydrogen Peroxide explained

This unique whitening gel has been developed and patented by Cavex. The technique we used ensures that the gel remains stable, by using a  pure form of hydrogen peroxide which we encapsulated. Therefore HPS does not need to be stored in the refrigerator and is stable at room temperature.

In addition, we added ingredients that make the gel work faster and thicken after starting the whitening treatment. This means it stays fixated during treatment and does not run. We use a lower percentage than most manufacturers, while still achieving excellent overall whitening results. The HPS gel is immediately ready-for-use and does not need to be pre-mixed. So in addition to great whitening results, the gel also saves the dentist time and money.

the best of both worlds

Hydrogen Peroxide Superior is the latest innovation in whitening gels. It combines the best properties of carbamide peroxide and polyvinylpyrrolidone peroxide such as ideal viscosity and room temperature stability. In addition, it has a number of unique properties of its own. For example, it works faster which ensures a maximum whitening result, with minimal sensitivity for the patient. We offer Hydrogen Peroxide Superior whitening gel in our Cavex Bite&White In-Office system.

proven by facts

When developing a new whitening gel, the dentist’s opinion is extremely important. That is why we had The Dental Advisor extensively test our solution. After a clinical evaluation by a team of dentists, this In-Office whitening solution received a clinical rating of no less than 86%. Professionals praise the effectiveness and easy application of the whitening gel.

Read the full report with quotes from dentists here.

More information

Do you want to know more?  Our complete whitening assortment can be found here.  If you have any questions feel free to contact us.