Mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide are carcinogenic, but are freely indicated on the internet: warn your patients!

It all began in Ancient Egypt where people used to bleach their teeth with antiseptic mouthwashes made of urea from human urine. Teeth harmony is promoted by expression of feelings, communication, a real window of the brain and its content! Tooth bleaching products are medicines, not cosmetics! Mouth washing with hydrogen peroxide is an illogical and dangerous procedure! Hydrogen peroxide must be used in one's mouth only when employed by a dentist who has been properly instructed to protect the mucosa, preventing it from receiving these products. How and for how long these products are going to be used require caution in order to avoid or decrease any adverse effects on the tissues. Many websites instruct people on how to purchase and prepare hydrogen peroxide so that it is used as an antiseptic mouthwash and tooth bleaching agent. Some websites even refer to dentists as "exploiters", accusing them of not instructing patients properly. In this article, we aim at providing evidence and information upon which dentists and assistants may base their thinking as well as their opinion and procedures regarding "the indiscriminate and free use of hydrogen peroxide in the mouth, on teeth and oral mucosa". Those websites, blogs and social network profiles trespass the limits of public trust and should be immediately sued by the government for committing a crime against public health.

Tudo começou no Egito antigo, onde procurava-se clarear os dentes com bochechos antissépticos com ureia da urina humana. Os dentes se harmonizam com expressões de sentimentos, na comunicação, como uma verdadeira vitrine do cérebro e seus conteúdos! Clareadores dentários são medicamentos, e não cosméticos! Bochecho com água oxigenada representa um procedimento improcedente e perigoso! O uso do peróxido de hidrogênio ou água oxigenada na boca deve ser feito diretamente pelo profissional da Odontologia, treinado para proteger as mucosas contra o contato desses produtos. O tempo e a forma de uso requerem cuidados, para se proteger ou diminuir os efeitos indesejáveis sobre os tecidos. Vários websites "ensinam" como adquirir e preparar água oxigenada para fazer bochechos antissépticos e clarear os dentes. Alguns websites se referem ao profissional da Odontologia como um "explorador", por não ensinar isso ao paciente. No presente artigo, procuraremos informar e dar fundamentos para que os profissionais da Odontologia e auxiliares possam embasar suas reflexões, opiniões e condutas relacionadas ao tema "uso indiscriminado e livre de peróxido de hidrogênio na boca sobre os dentes e mucosa bucal". Esses websites, blogs e perfis em redes sociais abusam da fé pública e deveriam ser acionados judicialmente, imediatamente, pelas autoridades públicas, pelo crime contra a saúde das pessoas.

Vitamin E and reduced glutathione in Prochilodus lineatus (curimba) semen cryopreservation (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae)

This study investigated the addition of antioxidants vitamin E and reduced glutathione on curimba (Prochilodus lineatus) semen cryopreservation and compared sodium bicarbonate solution and distilled water as activators. The experiment was conducted at the environmental station of CEMIG, in Itutinga-MG, Brazil, between December/2009 and January/2010. Semen samples (n = 7) with semen motility above 80% were diluted in cryoprotectant solutions composed of 10% methanol, 15% lactose and containing different concentrations of antioxidants: 50 (VE50), 100 (VE100) and 250 (VE250) µM of vitamin E, and 0.5 (RG0.5), 1.0 (RG1.0) and 1.5 (RG1.5) mM of reduced glutathione. A solution without antioxidants was used as a control. The semen was diluted at a ratio of 1:4 (100 ìL semen:400 ∝L cryoprotectant solution). The toxicity of the solutions was evaluated by investigating semen motility after 10 min in the solution. The rest of the diluted semen was placed into 0.5 mL straws maintained in nitrogen vapour for 24 hours and packed into a nitrogen liquid cylinder for four days. The samples were thawed in a water bath at 60°C for 8 s and the rate (%) and duration (s) of semen activation with distilled water or sodium bicarbonate was evaluated. In the toxicity test, we found that vitamin E and reduced glutathione were not toxic to curimba semen at any of the tested concentrations (P>0.05). The duration of motility was longer (P<0.05) in semen activated with sodium bicarbonate 1% (163 ± 11 s), which was considered the best activator for semen under these conditions. No significant differences were found between the cryoprotectant solutions used after freezing (P>0.05). Thus, the antioxidants vitamin E and reduced glutathione did not improve the quality of cryopreserved curimba semen, but they did not cause toxic effects to the semen in natura and they did not decrease its quality during cryopreservation.

Este estudo avaliou a adição de antioxidantes vitamina E e glutationa reduzida no sêmen criopreservado de curimba (Prochilodus lineatus) e comparou solução de bicarbonato de sódio e água destilada como ativadores. O experimento foi conduzido na estação ambiental da CEMIG, em Itutinga-MG, entre Dezembro/2009 e Janeiro/2010. Sêmen de sete animais, com motilidade espermática acima de 80%, foi diluído em soluções crioprotetoras compostas por metanol 10% e lactose 15% em diferentes concentrações de antioxidantes: 50 (VE50), 100 (VE100) e 250 (VE250) µM de vitamina E, 0,5 (RG5.5), 1,0 (RG1.0) e 1,5 (RG1.5) mM glutationa reduzida e uma solução controle sem antioxidante. O sêmen foi diluído na proporção de 1:4 (100 µL de sêmen: 400 µL de solução crioprotetora). A toxicidade das soluções foi avaliada pela motilidade espermática após de 10 minutos em solução. O restante do sêmen diluído foi armazenado em palhetas de 0,5 mL mantidos em vapor de nitrogênio por 24 horas e estocado em cilindro de nitrogênio líquido por quatro dias. As amostras foram descongeladas em banho-maria a 60°C por 8 segundos e avaliada a taxa (%) e duração (s) pela ativação do sêmen com água destilada e bicarbonato de sódio a 1%. No teste de toxicidade, observamos que os antioxidantes da vitamina E e glutationa, nas diferentes concentrações, não foram tóxicos para o sêmen do curimba (P>0,05). A duração da motilidade foi maior (P<0,05) no sêmen ativado com bicarbonato de sódio, sendo o melhor ativador para o sêmen nestas condições. Não houve diferenças significativas entre as soluções crioprotetoras utilizadas para sêmen antes e após congelamento (P>0,05). Assim, os antioxidantes vitamina E e glutationa reduzida não melhoram a qualidade do sêmen criopreservado de curimba, mas não causam efeitos tóxicos para o sêmen in natura e criopreservados por não diminuir sua qualidade durante a criopreservação.

Over-the-counter whitening agents: a concise review

Tooth discoloration is commonly found in the dental clinic and tooth bleaching has been considered the preferred esthetic alternative, being more conservative, safe and with predictable results. Supervised home-use of 10 percent Carbamide Peroxide (CP) bleaching with custom-trays is the most common bleaching procedure dispensed by dentists to their patients. The good results obtained with this technique stimulated the flourishing of new products and techniques. Over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching products appeared as a low-cost alternative to bleach discolored teeth without dentist supervision. Different OTC products are available in supermarkets, drug stores or on the Internet, including rinses, paint-on brushes, toothpastes, chewing guns, dental floss, and whitening strips. There is lack of clinical evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of these products, being most of the studies supported by the manufacturers'. Basically, toothpastes, chewing gums, and dental floss are removal agents of superficial stains. Rinses and paint-on brushes with low levels of hydrogen peroxide have some whitening effect, but without clinical relevance. Strips present similar esthetic results and side-effects, compared to bleaching with 10 percent CP using trays; however, the studies have financial support from the manufacturers and were based on short term evaluations. Legislation varies widely in different countries regarding OTC dental bleaching. Concerns have appeared due to the potential abusive use of these self-medication agents, especially in young patients, with potential harmful results. Dentists should be acquainted with this kind of products to be able to inform their patients. In conclusion, there is a need for independent clinical trials to provide sufficient evidence regarding the use of OTC bleaching products.

Effect of 10 percent carbamide peroxide bleaching on sound and artificial enamel carious lesions

This study evaluated the effect of 10 percent carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching on Knoop surface microhardness (KHN) and morphology of sound enamel and enamel with early artificial caries lesions (CL) after pH-cycling model (pHcm). Human dental enamel blocks were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10): 1 - sound enamel bleached (S) with CP (Rembrandt/Den-Mat); 2 - S and submitted to pHcm; 3 - CL bleached with CP; 4 - CL stored in artificial saliva and submitted to pHcm; 5 - CL treated with placebo gel and submitted to pHcm; 6 - CL bleached with CP and submitted to pHcm. Enamel blocks with known initial KHN values were demineralized (groups 3 to 6) and submitted to 12 day pHcm (groups 2, 4, 5 and 6). After demineralization and treatments, KHN was determined and the specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5 percent significance level. The results showed that among CL groups (3 to 6) only the group 3 presented remineralization after treatments. S groups (1 and 2) showed higher KHN and presented less formation of porosities on enamel surface than CL groups after treatments. In conclusion, bleaching procedures on enamel with CL did not exacerbate the demineralization, but should be indicated with caution.

Este estudo analisou o efeito do peróxido de carbamida a 10 por cento (PC) na microdureza Knoop de superfície (KHN) e morfologia do esmalte hígido e com lesões iniciais de cárie artificial (EC), após modelo de ciclagem de pH (cpH). Blocos de esmalte dental humano foram divididos aleatoriamente em 6 grupos (n=10): 1- esmalte hígido clareado (EHC) com PC (Rembrandt/Den-Mat); 2- EHC e submetido a cpH; 3- EC clareado com PC; 4- EC armazenado em saliva artificial e submetido a cpH; 5- EC tratado com gel placebo e submetido a cpH; 6- EC clareado com PC e submetido a cpH. Blocos de esmalte com a KHN conhecida eram desmineralizados (grupos 3 a 6) e submetidos a cpH (grupos 2, 4, 5 e 6). KHN foi determinada após a desmineralização e os tratamentos. Os espécimes foram examinados através de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). Os dados foram analisados através de ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Os resultados indicaram que entre os grupos com EC (3 a 6) somente o grupo 3 apresentou remineralização após os tratamentos. Os grupos EHC (1 e 2) mostraram maior KHN e menor formação porosidades quando comparados aos grupos EC após os tratamentos. Os procedimentos clareadores no esmalte com lesão de cárie não exacerbaram a desmineralização, entretanto precisam ser indicados com cautela.

El lactitol incrementa el glutation reducido y disminuye el óxido nítrico en ratas Sprague-Dawley / Lactitol increases reduced glutathione and decreases nitric oxide in Sprague Dawley rats

Existe un creciente uso de los alcohol-azúcares como el lactitol en la industria de los alimentos. El estrés oxidativo juega un papel importante en la génesis de patologías digestivas que van desde inflamación hasta cáncer. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar el efecto del lactitol sobre el malondialdehído (MDA), óxido nítrico (NO), glutation reducido (GSH), ácido ascórbico y ácido dehidroascórbico como marcadores del balance oxidación/antioxidación. Para ello se utilizaron 80 ratas macho Sprague-Dawley divididas en cuatro grupos , tres experimentales de 20 animales, a los cuales se les administró por sonda orogástrica, lactitol en dosis de 0,3; 1,0 y 5,0 g/Kg/día durante 12 semanas y un grupo control que recibió solución salina fisiológica por el mismo período de tiempo. El lactitol administrado en dosis de 0,3; 1,0 y 5,0 g/Kg/día produjo un incremento significativo (P<0,05) del GSH (326,5 ± 13,0 µg/ml; 328,5 ± 9,2 µg/ml y 398,2 ± 11,8 µg/ml) al ser comparado con sus respectivos valores basales (285,8 ± 4,0 µg/ml; 280,0 ± 6,2 µg/ml y 279,5 ± 9,1 µg/ml). El lactitol a dosis de 5 g/Kg/día produjo el más alto incremento de la concentración de GSH y al mismo tiempo provocó una disminución significativa del los niveles de NO (33,0 ± 1,2 µM) cuando se comparó con su concentración basal (46,2 ± 2,8 µM). No fueron observados cambios significativos sobre el resto de los marcadores del balance oxidación/antioxidación. Aunque el lactitol es un alcohol-azúcar que no se absorbe a nivel del tracto gastrointestinal, es posible que los productos finales obtenidos luego de su metabolismo por las bacterias intestinales, induzcan efectos sistémicos que pueden afectar el balance oxidación/antioxidación a favor de la antioxidación.

Sugar alcohols such as lactitol are increasingly being used in the food industry. Tissue oxidative stress is an important contributor to the genesis of inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lactitol on malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), dehydroascorbic and ascorbic acid as redox markers. Eighty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups; three experimental groups which received lactitol through an oral catheter at doses of 0.3; 1.0; 5 g/kg/day and an experimental group to which saline solution was administered during 12 weeks. Lactitol at doses of 0.3; 1.0; 5 g/kg/day produced a significant increase (P<0.05) on GSH (326.5 ± 13.0 µg/ml; 328.5 ± 9.2 µg/ml y 398.29 ± 11.8 µg/ml respectively) when compared with their respective basal values (285.8 ± 4.0 µg/ml; 280.0 ± 6.2 µg/ml y 279.5 ± 9.1 µg/ml). Lactitol dose of 5g/kg/day produced the highest increase on GSH levels and at the same time elicited a significant decrease on NO levels (33.0 ± 1.2 µM) when compared with basal values (46.2 ± 2.8 µM). No significant changes were observed on the remaining redox markers. Although lactitol is a sugar alcohol that is not absorbed in the small bowel, it is possible that its metabolisms end products, under intestinal bacterial effects, alter the redox balance in favor of antioxidants.

Peroxide bleaching agent effects on enamel surface microhardness, roughness and morphology

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a rugosidade, microdureza e morfologia superficial do esmalte dental humano tratado com seis agentes clareadores (antes e depois do tratamento). Amostras de esmalte dental humano foram obtidas de terceiros molares e aleatoriamente distribuídas em sete grupos (n = 11): controle, Whiteness Perfect - peróxido de carbamida a 10% (PC 10%), Colgate Platinum - PC 10%, Day White 2Z - peróxido de hidrogênio a 7,5% (PH 7,5%), Whiteness Super - PC 37%, Opalescence Quick - PC 35% e Whiteness HP - PH 35%. Os agentes clareadores foram aplicados de acordo com as instruções dos fabricantes. O grupo controle permaneceu sem tratamento e armazenado em saliva artificial. O teste de microdureza foi realizado com o indentador Knoop, e a rugosidade superficial foi verificada através do rugosímetro. Observações morfológicas foram realizadas através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Os resultados foram estatisticamente analisados com ANOVA (dois fatores) e teste Tukey (5%) e revelaram uma redução significante nos valores de microdureza e um aumento significante da rugosidade de superfície após o clareamento. Alterações na morfologia do esmalte após o clareamento foram observadas através de MEV. Concluiu-se que os agentes clareadores podem alterar a microdureza, rugosidade e morfologia superficial do esmalte dental.

Avaliação das alterações estruturais em esmalte submetido ao clarareamento com peróxido de hidrogênio a 35 / Evaluation of enamel structure changes when submitted to 35 hydrogen peroxide

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e classificar as alterações morfológicas sobre o esmalte de dentes humanos hígidos submetidos ao tratamento clareador com peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% em duas formas comerciais: (Whiteness HP-FGM) e farmácia de manipulação (PhD), com diferentes tempos de ação dos clareadores, através de análise em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Este estudo também sugere uma nova metodologia para análise das alterações topográficas decorrentes dessa modalidade de tratamento. O agente clareador PhD apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0,001) produzindo os maiores valores ordinais quando comparado ao agente clareador FGM. Houve uma correlação positiva estatisticamente significante (p<0,001) entre ambos os agentes

Increased exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in healthy subjects following cigarette consumption

CONTEXT: Increased hydrogen peroxide has been described in the expired breath condensate (H2O2-E) of several lung conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This technique has been advocated as being a simple method for documenting airway inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate H2O2-E in healthy cigarette smokers, and to determine the acute effects of the consumption of one cigarette on H2O2-E levels. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, controlled trial. SETTING: A pulmonary function laboratory in a University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two groups of healthy volunteers: individuals who had never smoked (NS; n=10; 4 men; age = 30.6 Ý 6.2 years) and current cigarette smokers (S; n=12; 7 men; age = 38.7 Ý 9.8). None of the volunteers had respiratory symptoms and all showed normal spirometric tests. INTERVENTION: Expired air was collected from all volunteers through a face mask and a plastic collecting system leading into a flask with dry ice and pure ethanol. Samples from the group S were collected twice, before and half an hour after the combustion of one cigarette. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Expired hydrogen peroxide using the Gallati and Pracht method. RESULTS: The S and NS groups showed comparable levels of H2O2-E at basal conditions [NS = 0.74 muM (DP 0.24) vs. S = 0.75 muM (DP 0.31)]. The smokers showed a significant increase in H2O2-E levels half an hour after the consumption of only one cigarette [0.75 muM (DP 0.31) vs. 0.95 muM (DP 0.22)]. CONCLUSION: The present results are consistent with the concept that smokers increase oxidative stress with elevated production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to the development of smoking-related disorders

Hiperhomocist(e)inemia / Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia

A través de numerosos datos derivados de observaciones epidemiológicas y experimentales, se ha establecido que existe una correlación positiva entre la hiperhomocist(e)inemia (HH(e)) y las enfermedades vasculares. Los datos clínicos confirman que la homocisteína (Hcy) es un factor de riesgo independiente de afecciones arteriales oclusivas (coronaria, cerebrovascular y periféricovascular) así como también trombosis venosa periférica. Este aminoácido contiene un sulfhidrilo y se forma por la desmetilación de la metionina. Es normalmente catalizado a cistationina por la enzima cistationina ß-sintetasa (CBS), dependiente de fosfato de piridoxal. Homocisteína también es remetilada a metionina por las enzimas 5-metiltetrahidrofolato-Hcy metiltransferasa (metionina sintetasa), dependiente de vitamina B12 y betaína-Hcy metiltransferasa. Estados nutricionales tales como deficiencias en vitamina B12, vitamina B6 o folato y defectos genéticos de las enzimas CBS o 5,10-metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa, pueden contribuir al aumento de los niveles plasmáticos de Hcy. La patogénesis del daño vascular inducido por Hcy puede ser multifactorial: daño directo sobre el endotelio, aumento de la peroxidación de lipoproteínas de baja densidad, incremento de tromboxano A2 plaquetario o menor activación de la proteína C. En el presente trabajo, se describen los más recientes estudios acerca de la patogénesis de la HH(e) y las implicancias para una óptima terapia

Oxidantes, antioxidantes y sistema respiratorio / Oxidants, antioxidants and respiratory system

En los últimos años se han acumulado evidencias que involucran a distintos compuestos oxidantes en la patogenia de diversas enfermedades pulmonares y en la disfunción de los músculos respiratorios frente a la sobrecarga de trabajo impuesta por las enfermedades pulmonares crónicas. En esta revisión se discuten las principales fuentes de oxidantes, las reacciones en que éstos participan y los principales sistemas de defensas antioxidante. Se analizan los avances recientes en algunas condiciones clínicas que tienen evidencias de mecanismos de daño tisular mediado por oxidantes

Fuentes intracelulares de especies oxidantes en condiciones normales y patológicas / Intracellular fountain of oxidant species in pathologic and normal conditions

La generación de especies oxidantes es un proceso inevitable que ocurre como consecuencia de la adaptación de organismos a la vida en aerobiosis. La protección natural contra estos oxidantes es limitada y puede ser sobrepasada, en diferentes condiciones, llevando a lesiones y llevar, eventualmente, a la muerte celular

Diabetes and atherosclerosis as immune-inflammatory disorders: options for reversal of disease processes.

Hypothesis is presented to suggest that the present epidemic of DM and ACVD in Asian indians and possibly in other communities is iatrogenic resulting from what may be called modern malnutrition due to increased intake of total and n-6 fats and decreased intake of n-3 fat and antioxidants. Such a diet induces oxidative stress and activates the immune system. Imbalance between n-6 and n-3 fats result in inappropriate immune response. It also leads to increased and unbalanced biosynthesis of metabolites of n-6 fats. These are immune suppressive, proinflammatory and thrombogenic. They also contribute to insulin resistance and dyslipidemias. This makes DM and atherosclerosis as malnutrition related oxidative immune inflammatory disorders. Various risk factors are also the result of the same inappropriate response. Our intervention studies give considerable support to this hypothesis. It is suggested that simple correction of diet defects can reverse the disease process and thereby offer a simple, practical therapeutic option not only for the primary prevention of each of these disorders or their complications but also for the so called risk factors for these diseases. It is suggested that the real remedy for DM, ACVD and all the risk factors lies not in drugs or surgery but in the kitchen. However more studies are needed to precisely define various molecular mechanisms involved or the exact requirements of various nutrients.