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. 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
3. What lifestyle change gives the single greatest long-term benefit for maintaining whitening results? → Quitting or avoiding tobacco use entirely
4. 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
5. 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
6. Which in-office whitening system is known for a refrigerated, high-viscosity gel and a desensitizing protocol called KöR-Seal trays? → KöR Whitening
7. Crest Whitestrips are classified as which category of whitening product? → OTC whitening strips with a low-to-moderate concentration of hydrogen peroxide
8. Which clinical test helps determine whether post-whitening sensitivity is from dentinal hypersensitivity versus pulpal inflammation? → Cold and electric pulp vitality testing
9. Enzymatic whitening toothpastes use bromelain or papain primarily to do what? → Break down protein-based pellicle that anchors stain molecules to enamel
10. A patient reports sharp, spontaneous pain that lingers for minutes after whitening. This most likely indicates what? → Irreversible pulpitis requiring evaluation before continuing treatment
11. What does PAP stand for in the context of newer non-peroxide whitening formulas? → Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid
12. 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
13. 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
14. Which patient is the BEST candidate for custom at-home whitening trays? → A patient with mild extrinsic staining and no anterior restorations
15. Which naturally occurring compound gives coffee, tea, and red wine their staining power on teeth? → Tannins (polyphenols)
16. Swallowing a small amount of dilute whitening gel accidentally is likely to cause what immediate effect? → Mild nausea or stomach irritation at worst
17. A patient with a known allergy to peroxide should use which type of whitening alternative? → PAP-based (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) whitening systems
18. How should a patient store their custom whitening trays when not in use? → In the provided case, rinsed clean and dried, at room temperature
19. What is the most commonly reported side effect of teeth whitening? → Temporary tooth sensitivity to temperature
20. How does the oxygen released by hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth at the molecular level? → Oxidizes conjugated double bonds in chromogen molecules, altering light absorption
21. For patients seeking the most COST-EFFECTIVE professional option in the US, which is generally recommended? → Professional take-home tray kit dispensed by a dentist (~$200–$400)
22. What kind of teeth are found in the back of the mouth, have more cusps than other teeth, and are short and blunt to serve as a chewing surface? → Molars
23. Titanium dioxide is included in some whitening products mainly for what purpose? → To provide immediate optical whitening via light reflection
24. Rembrandt and Colgate Optic White are examples of which category of whitening product? → Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes
25. How frequently should a toothbrush be changed? → Every 3 months
26. Compared to in-office whitening, take-home professional trays typically: → Take longer (1–2 weeks) but can achieve similar or sometimes superior final shade results
27. Activated charcoal whitening products remove stains primarily through which mechanism? → Adsorption — charcoal binds stain molecules on the surface
28. Which type of tooth discoloration responds best to peroxide whitening treatments? → Extrinsic (surface) staining
29. The kind of teeth that "cut" food without exerting much force? → Incisors
30. What is the 'white diet' recommended immediately after a professional whitening treatment? → Eating and drinking only light-colored, non-staining foods and beverages for 24–48 hours