Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:04
Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites
Published on: November 9, 2014
Safety issues of tooth whitening using peroxide-based materials
1Center for Dental Research, Loma Linda University Schools of Dentistry, 24,876 Taylor Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. yli@llu.edu
British Dental Journal
|July 13, 2013
Summary
Peroxide-based tooth whitening is safe and effective when used properly. Common side effects like tooth sensitivity are mild and temporary, with no evidence of significant health risks.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Toxicology
- Material Science
Background:
- In-office tooth whitening with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has a long history of safety.
- At-home peroxide-based whitening, introduced in 1989, has raised safety concerns despite proven efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the safety of peroxide-based tooth whitening materials.
- To examine biological properties, toxicology, and clinical considerations of H₂O₂ and chlorine dioxide in whitening.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulated safety data over the past two decades.
- Analysis of studies on tooth whitening safety, including biological properties and toxicology of peroxides.
Main Results:
- Peroxide-based tooth whitening is demonstrated to be safe and effective when applied correctly.
- Most frequent side effects include mild to moderate, transient tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation.
Conclusions:
- No significant health risks are associated with current tooth whitening practices.
- Potential adverse effects can arise from improper application, overuse, or unsuitable products.
- Dental professionals can ensure safe and effective whitening by understanding materials and potential risks.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
01:12Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
02:23Autoxidation of Ethers to Peroxides and Hydroperoxides
Ethers represent a class of chemical compounds that become more dangerous with prolonged storage because they tend to form explosive peroxides when standing in the air. Autoxidation is the spontaneous oxidation of a compound in air. In the presence of oxygen, ethers slowly oxidize to form hydroperoxides and dialkyl peroxides.
01:26Toxic Reactions: Overview
When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
01:23Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues. It typically manifests as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucosae, especially in fair-skinned individuals, when hemoglobin (Hb) saturation drops below 75%.
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...