Teeth Whitening Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Teeth Whitening facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A 35% carbamide peroxide gel is approximately equivalent in whitening strength to what percentage of hydrogen peroxide? → 10–12%
2. Teeth whitening primarily works on which layer of the tooth? → Enamel
3. How long should patients ideally wait after professional whitening before having new composite restorations placed? → At least 2 weeks to allow enamel to fully rehydrate and stabilize shade
4. What lifestyle change gives the single greatest long-term benefit for maintaining whitening results? → Quitting or avoiding tobacco use entirely
5. What does 'calculus' refer to in dental terminology? → Hardened plaque (tartar)
6. The term 'rebound' after whitening refers to what phenomenon? → Gradual return of tooth color toward the pre-treatment shade over time
7. Which whitening method is MOST appropriate for a patient who wants professional-level results but cannot sit in a dental chair for a long appointment? → Professionally dispensed custom tray take-home whitening used at home over 1–2 weeks
8. Which food and beverage is considered one of the MOST significant contributors to extrinsic tooth staining? → Red wine
9. Why is using whitening solutions on crowns and tooth-colored fillings not a good idea? → Fillings and crowns are matched to the color of your teeth, and they can't be whitened
10. Which in-office whitening system is known for a refrigerated, high-viscosity gel and a desensitizing protocol called KöR-Seal trays? → KöR Whitening
11. What is the typical concentration range of carbamide peroxide found in over-the-counter whitening strips? → 10–22%
12. A patient reports sharp sensitivity during whitening. The dentist's FIRST recommendation should be to: → Use a desensitizing toothpaste and reduce treatment frequency
13. What is a possible consequence of placing whitening gel on cracked or chipped enamel? → Peroxide penetration into the pulp causing pain or pulpitis
14. Crest Whitestrips are classified as which category of whitening product? → OTC whitening strips with a low-to-moderate concentration of hydrogen peroxide
15. What is 'non-vital bleaching'? → Whitening performed on a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
16. Which chemical compound is the primary active ingredient in most professional teeth whitening gels? → Hydrogen peroxide
17. What is the main concern with overusing whitening products beyond recommended durations? → Enamel erosion and structural weakening
18. According to ADA guidelines, which statement about over-the-counter whitening products is accurate? → The ADA Seal of Acceptance indicates safety and efficacy have been reviewed
19. Which clinical test helps determine whether post-whitening sensitivity is from dentinal hypersensitivity versus pulpal inflammation? → Cold and electric pulp vitality testing
20. Enzymatic whitening toothpastes use bromelain or papain primarily to do what? → Break down protein-based pellicle that anchors stain molecules to enamel
21. What does the prefix 'hypo-' mean when describing conditions like 'hypocalcification'? → Under or deficient
22. Which type of tooth discoloration is generally considered most responsive to bleaching treatment? → Extrinsic yellow stains from food and drink
23. A patient reports sharp, spontaneous pain that lingers for minutes after whitening. This most likely indicates what? → Irreversible pulpitis requiring evaluation before continuing treatment
24. What does PAP stand for in the context of newer non-peroxide whitening formulas? → Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
25. What are 'dental tubules'? → Microscopic channels running through dentin
26. What is 'fluorosis' in terms of tooth appearance? → White spots or brown discoloration from excessive fluoride during development
27. If a patient experiences severe gum pain during take-home tray whitening, the FIRST recommended action is: → Remove the tray, rinse the mouth with water, and discontinue use until seeing the dentist
28. What whitening side effect is most commonly reported by patients? → Increased tooth sensitivity
29. What is the purpose of a pre-treatment dental cleaning (prophylaxis) before in-office whitening? → Remove plaque and calculus so the gel contacts clean enamel evenly
30. What distinguishes 'extrinsic' from 'intrinsic' tooth stains? → Extrinsic stains are on the outer tooth surface; intrinsic are within the tooth structure