Dental bleaching, also known as tooth bleaching, is a common process in common dentistry but most especially in the area of cosmetic dentistry. A child’s deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that ensue. As a person ages the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less absorbent. Teeth can also become discolored by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco. Particular antibiotic medications (like tetracycline) can in addition lead to tooth stains or a drop in the brilliance of the enamel.