Ask Dr. Rye: Is there any medical benefit to whitening your teeth?

Is there any medical benefit to whitening your teeth? Or is it just a vanity scam?

Carbamoxide is the main ingredient in oral bleach gels. It breaks dow into hydrogen peroxide which breaks down into hydrogen, water, and oxygen. Oxygen bleaches the teeth. It also kills anaerobic bacteria implicated in gum diseases. Patients can actually improve their periodontal disease by using these gels if done under the care of a qualified dentist.