I need to stop using that joke.
Dhara recently blogged about teeth whiteners! Check it out: http://captainchemistry.tumblr.com/post/80217608628/tooth-whiteners
It was pretty interesting to learn about how teeth whiteners work.
“…tooth whiteners contain a bleaching agent which removes the stains on our teeth. hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the main bleaching agents. When this agent is applied to our teeth, oxidizing reactions are made that pierce two layers of our teeth- the enamel and dentin.”
My dad uses products like this to whiten his teeth all the time, but he still drinks coffee and tea, staining his teeth yellow again!
You know, that’s interesting: why do coffee and tea stain teeth in the first place? I found the answer on Colgate’s website! (That’s pretty good marketing, if I say so myself.)
Apparently, your tooth enamel it is not flat and smooth, but actually contains microscopic pits and ridges that can hold particles of food and drink! Pigments from dark-colored drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda can become embedded in those cracks and ridges. This will stain your teeth yellow! Adding creamer to your coffee won’t help— it still has the same amount of pigments that can seep into your enamel.
Make sure you brush your teeth! Herbal, green, and white teas are less likely to stain your teeth than black tea and coffee, so try those out too.
Avogadro Salad 