Tooth enamel and dentin organic chromophores

Tooth enamel and dentin organic chromophores are the complex organic molecules responsible for the natural color and acquired staining of human teeth. These chromophores are primarily located within the organic matrix of the dentin, which consists largely of collagen, and to a lesser extent within the proteinaceous components and pores of the enamel (Kwon & Wertz, 2015). They contain long-chain conjugated double bonds that absorb light in the visible spectrum, resulting in perceived yellow, brown, or grey discolorations (Joiner, 2006). In clinical dentistry, these molecules serve as the primary target for bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These oxidizing agents release free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals, that penetrate the tooth structure and break the double bonds of the chromophores through oxidation (Epple et al., 2019). This process converts the large, pigmented molecules into smaller, colorless, or lighter-colored fragments, thereby increasing the overall whiteness and brightness of the tooth (Carey, 2014).

Other names

Dental chromophoresTooth pigmentsIntrinsic dental stainsExtrinsic dental stainsOrganic dental matrix pigments

Oxidative degradation of conjugated double bonds within organic molecules, converting them into smaller, non-pigmented fragments.