Tooth Whitening
Gels containing peroxide are used both professionally in the dental office and at home to whiten teeth by bleaching intrinsic tooth stain. At home use as a cosmetic product in Europe is limited to 0.1% peroxide. The most common side effects encountered using either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide are mild tooth sensitivity and local oral mucosal irritation. [Haywood et al, 2007; Kleber et al, 2008; Ziebolz, 2007] Tooth sensitivity is believed to be caused by the whitening peroxide compounds as they pass through the tooth enamel, dentine and into the pulp [Haywood et al, 2007]
Sensitivity is transient in nature and dose related. [Haywood et al, 2007] It has been reported that up to two-thirds of subjects may be affected by thermal sensitivity, but data on long-term follow-up shows no persistent pain or irritation after discontinuation of treatment. Data show that dental professionals recommend that these patients reduce frequency or duration of whitening. [Leonard 1998, Tam 2001] In order to reduce tooth sensitivity, a desensitizing potassium nitrate toothpaste can be used prior to the whitening treatment as well as during bleaching. [Haywood et al, 2007]
