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Tooth bleaching increases dentinal protease activity
C Sato1, F A Rodrigues, D M Garcia
1Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Bioquímica, UMC, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
Journal of Dental Research
|December 18, 2012
Summary
Dental vital bleaching with hydrogen peroxide significantly damages tooth enamel and dentin. It alters nanostructure, reduces collagen, and increases damaging enzymes and reactive oxygen species in pulp tissue.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hydrogen peroxide is a common dental bleaching agent.
- Understanding its effects on tooth structure and pulp is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural and biochemical effects of in vivo dental bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide on human teeth.
- To assess changes in enamel, dentin, and pulp tissues.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for enamel nanostructure.
- Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical composition.
- Enzyme activity assays for cathepsin B and MMPs.
- Confocal fluorescence microscopy for collagen and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) detection.
Main Results:
- Surface enamel nanostructure corrosion observed via AFM.
- FTIR revealed loss of carbonate and proteins in enamel and dentin.
- Increased cathepsin B and MMP activity noted.
- Reduced collagen autofluorescence and increased ROS in pulp tissues.
Conclusions:
- 35% hydrogen peroxide vital bleaching significantly alters dental hard tissues (enamel, dentin) and soft pulp tissue.
- Observed changes include structural degradation and biochemical alterations, indicating potential risks associated with bleaching procedures.
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