Brazilian Study Indicates Risk Associated With High Concentration Teeth Whitener

As over the counter teeth whitening treatments grow in popularity dentist strive to gain an edge on at home teeth whitening products, the edge being higher concentrations than those available in stores. The average dentist uses 35% hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening and in some cases up to 44% in comparison to at home teeth whitening products with concentrations ranging from 10-22% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Until recent there has been insufficient evidence suggesting that higher concentrations (+35% hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening gel) Damaged the molecular level of the tissue. Brazilian researchers found that these high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can have a dramatic impact on dental hard and soft pulp tissue.

Dr. Fabio Nascimento, DDS, PHD, MS, a member of the Brazilian was interviewed by drbicuspid.com during which he said “First, we are showing that 35% of hydrogen peroxide, used in commercial products, changes the enamel surface structure, increasing the roughness of these tissues.”

Their reason for pursuing this study was to determine if 35% hydrogen peroxide caused collagen degradation in dentine due to the elevated proteolytic enzymes, and it confirmed that it did.

Study participants included 20 individuals (10 male, and 10 female), ages 18-25. These individuals never smoked nor have they ever received teeth whitening treatments at home or from a dentist. Overall their dentine was in perfect condition, having never been tampered with or diagnosed with disease.

Recommendations for limiting the damage when whitening teeth

• Reduce the concentration of hydrogen peroxide to a level commonly found in higher end at home whitening treatments.
• Reduce the time of each teeth whitening application and increasing the time between each application
• Not using reaction catalysts such as lamps, lasers, and led teeth whitening treatment’s

Dr. Nascimento finished the interview by highlighting that teeth whitening is not a dangerous procedure but those considering it should know of the risk associated with it.

The complete article goes into further detail on the study so if it is of interest check it out on drbicuspid.com

Erin Stelbrink

Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 5+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at [email protected]