Tooth whitening, also called bleaching, is a process of lightening and removing stains from a tooth. This process bleaches the enamel and dentin, the principal mass of a tooth, and brightens the discolored teeth.

Before you go in for a teeth-whitening procedure, you should know which type of teeth whitening procedure is appropriate for you: bleach based (non-vital whitening) or non-bleach based (vital whitening). The type of teeth whitening procedure you'll undergo depends on your dental history.

From unusual ointments to hydrogen peroxide injections (yikes!), people have sought the secret to longevity for decades. Now, more than ever, people are willing to go to extremes to retain their youthful looks. While many of these strategies are risky or downright unsafe, there is one relatively simple way turn back the years: tooth whitening.

Take a look what substances can cause discoloration of the teeth as well as the various methods used to whiten the teeth.

Gum disease or periodontal disease inflicts over half of the adult population. This common oral problem develops from the buildup of plaque, where harmful bacteria reside. Bacteria in plaque causes infection of the gums making them swell, easy to bleed when you brush, and appear red. This is the first stage of gum disease more commonly known as gingivitis.