Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Detection and Removal of Tooth-Colored Composite Resin Using the Fluorescence-Aided Identification Technique
Published on: July 27, 2022
Over-the-counter bleaching agents can help with tooth whitening maintenance
Olívia Santana Jorge1, Carolina Noronha Ferraz de Arruda1, Rafaella Tonani Torrieri1
1Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses can help maintain tooth color after carbamide peroxide bleaching. However, some product combinations may decrease dental enamel microhardness.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Home bleaching with carbamide peroxide is popular for aesthetic improvement.
- Maintenance of tooth color and enamel integrity post-bleaching is crucial.
- The role of over-the-counter (OTC) agents in post-bleaching care requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of OTC toothpaste and mouth rinse agents on the color and microhardness of dental enamel following a home bleaching protocol.
- To assess the long-term (1-year simulation) effects of combined OTC products on bleached enamel.
Main Methods:
- Bovine tooth specimens were subjected to 22% carbamide peroxide (22%CP) bleaching.
- Specimens were divided into groups based on combinations of whitening/conventional toothpaste and whitening/conventional mouth rinse.
- Simulated 1 year of brushing and mouth rinsing was performed, with color and microhardness measurements before and after.
Main Results:
- The combination of 22%CP, whitening toothpaste, and whitening mouth rinse demonstrated superior color maintenance compared to the control.
- Perceptual whitening (ΔWID) exceeded objective color change (ΔE00).
- A significant decrease in enamel microhardness was observed with 22%CP, conventional toothpaste, and whitening mouth rinse.
Conclusions:
- Certain OTC whitening products can aid in maintaining tooth color after carbamide peroxide bleaching.
- The combination of specific OTC products may negatively impact dental enamel microhardness.
- Careful selection of OTC agents is recommended for post-bleaching oral care to balance aesthetic maintenance and structural integrity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
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...
Tonsillitis II: Management
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Antacids
However, this neutralization reaction between...

