Oral compositions having accelerated tooth whitening effect

A method of whitening stained or discolored teeth in the oral cavity which comprises applying to the teeth a two component whitening composition, which will whiten stained or discolored teeth, when applied thereto, the composition being comprised of a first component containing in a vehicle a safe amount of a peroxygen compound effective to whiten teeth, and a second component containing a manganese coordination complex compound in a vehicle, the manganese compound being present in the vehicle in an amount effective to activate the peroxygen compound, the first and second components being maintained separate from each other until dispensed for application to the teeth, dispensing and mixing the separately maintained components so that the manganese compound of the second component interacts with the peroxygen compound of the first component whereby the breakdown of the peroxygen compound and the release of active oxygen is accelerated and then allowing the mixed components to remain on the teeth for a time sufficient to effect rapid whitening thereof.