Over-the-counter whitening agents: a concise review
Braz. oral res
;
23(supl.1): 64-70, 2009.
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-528431
ABSTRACT
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.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Peroxides
/
Tooth Bleaching
/
Urea
/
Oxidants
/
Dental Devices, Home Care
/
Nonprescription Drugs
Type of study:
Prognostic study
/
Systematic reviews
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. oral res
Journal subject:
Dentistry
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Federal University of Paraíba/BR
/
Federal University of Pelotas/BR
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS