Over-the-counter whitening agents: a concise review

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Tooth discoloration is a common dental concern.
• Professional tooth bleaching, such as 10% Carbamide Peroxide (CP) with custom trays, is a conservative and effective treatment.
• The demand for accessible whitening solutions has led to the proliferation of over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of OTC tooth bleaching products.
• To compare OTC products with professionally supervised bleaching methods.
• To highlight the need for independent clinical trials and informed patient guidance.

Main Methods:

• Review of available OTC tooth bleaching products (rinses, paint-on, toothpastes, chewing gums, floss, strips).
• Analysis of existing clinical evidence, noting manufacturer-supported studies.
• Comparison of efficacy and side effects with professional bleaching treatments.

Main Results:

• Toothpastes, chewing gums, and floss primarily remove superficial stains.
• Low-concentration hydrogen peroxide rinses and paint-on products show minimal whitening effects.
• Whitening strips demonstrate comparable esthetic results and side effects to professional treatments, but studies are often short-term and manufacturer-funded.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant lack of independent clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of most OTC bleaching products.
• Concerns exist regarding potential misuse and adverse effects, particularly among younger populations.
• Dentists must be informed about OTC products to provide accurate guidance to patients, and independent trials are crucial.