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Effects of hydrogen peroxide on human dentin structure
1Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedical Engineering, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.
Journal of Dental Research
|October 26, 2007
Summary
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching damages dentin by oxidizing proteins and affecting mineral content. This study provides chemical evidence that H2O2 degrades both organic and inorganic dentin components.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Chemical Analysis
Background:
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is widely used for dental bleaching.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential to degrade dentin structure via protein oxidation.
- Direct chemical evidence supporting this hypothesis has been lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemical effects of H2O2 on the structural integrity of human dentin.
- To provide direct chemical evidence for H2O2-induced dentin degradation.
- To differentiate the effects on organic and mineral components.
Main Methods:
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy were employed.
- Human intact and demineralized dentin specimens were exposed to 30% H2O2.
- Control groups were treated with Hanks' balanced salt solution (HBSS) or 0.1 N HCl.
Main Results:
- ATR spectroscopy revealed significant changes in the spectral parameters of dentin treated with H2O2.
- Demineralized dentin specimens completely dissolved in H2O2, while remaining intact in HCl and HBSS.
- H2O2 demonstrated destructive effects on both the organic matrix and mineral content of dentin.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) significantly attacks both organic and mineral components of human dentin.
- The degradation of organic components is attributed to the oxidizing properties of H2O2.
- Changes in mineral components are likely due to the acidity of H2O2.
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