Tooth bleaching with low-temperature plasma lowers surface roughness and Streptococcus mutans adhesion.

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Biomaterials engineering
• Oral microbiology

Background:

• Tooth bleaching is a common cosmetic procedure.
• Concerns exist regarding potential enamel surface alterations and bacterial adhesion post-bleaching.
• Novel methods are explored to enhance bleaching efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess enamel structural-morphological changes and Streptococcus mutans adhesion after tooth bleaching.
• To compare the effects of 15% carbamide peroxide (CP) alone versus CP combined with low-temperature plasma.

Main Methods:

• Sixty premolars were divided into groups receiving 15% CP with or without plasma, or controls.
• Enamel surface roughness and Streptococcus mutans adhesion were evaluated using biofilm assays, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.
• Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test.

Main Results:

• Group 1A (15% CP + plasma) showed significantly less Streptococcus mutans adhesion compared to other groups (P < 0.05).
• Group 2A (15% CP alone) exhibited significantly greater surface roughness than other groups (P < 0.05).
• Plasma application did not induce significant structural-morphological or topographic enamel changes.

Conclusions:

• Plasma application in conjunction with 15% carbamide peroxide bleaching is a safe method for enamel.
• The combined plasma and 15% CP bleaching technique is less destructive to tooth surfaces.
• This method offers a promising alternative for effective and conservative tooth bleaching.