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Peroxide-containing tooth whiteners: an update on safety
Y Li1
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Loma Linda University Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, USA.
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995). Supplement
|March 23, 2002
Summary
Peroxide tooth whiteners are safe for home use when monitored by a dentist. Scientific data shows hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is not carcinogenic and carbamide peroxide does not damage tooth enamel.
Area of Science:
- Dental science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Peroxide-based tooth whiteners are widely used, but safety concerns, particularly regarding carcinogenicity, persist.
- A UK ban on these products, though classification-based, highlighted public and regulatory scrutiny of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss scientific data on the carcinogenicity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
- To assess the implications of H2O2 safety data for tooth whitener use.
- To update information on the effects of tooth whiteners on dental enamel.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) carcinogenicity.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of tooth whiteners on enamel surface integrity.
Main Results:
- Current scientific evidence does not support concerns about the carcinogenicity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
- Dentist-monitored at-home use of 10% carbamide peroxide tooth whiteners is not associated with irreversible enamel damage.
Conclusions:
- Properly used, dentist-supervised at-home tooth whiteners containing 10% carbamide peroxide are safe.
- There is no evidence of carcinogenicity risk associated with the recommended use of these products.
- These whiteners do not cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel.