Carbamide peroxide is an oxidising agent, consisting of hydrogen peroxide compounded with urea. The molecular formula is CH6N2O3.
This chemical is commonly encountered in cosmetic dentistry, where it is used to "bleach" teeth. The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which acts to oxidise interprismatic extrinsic staining within tooth enamel. There are several methods of applying the peroxide gel to the tooth ranging from night-guard application at home or in-surgery application. The bleaching obtained is proportional to the length of time the peroxide is applied to the tooth, and the concentration used.
The chemical is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. It is also corrosive and causes burns. It doesn't hurt at 10% concentration (3% peroxide equivalent) but it does hurt at 35% equivalent, causing white chemical burns on skin and gums alike.
