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Compromised dental cells viability following teeth-whitening exposure
Ola Redha1,2,3, Morteza Mazinanian1, Sabrina Nguyen3
1Division of Prosthodontics, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, 21 University Street, London, WC1E 6DE, UK.
Scientific Reports
|July 31, 2021
Summary
Carbamide peroxide (CP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) teeth whitening treatments reduce enamel protein content. These whitening agents also decrease the viability of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) and gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs).
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Teeth whitening agents like carbamide peroxide (CP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are widely used.
- The impact of these agents on dental tissue and cell viability requires thorough investigation.
- Understanding cellular responses to whitening treatments is crucial for ensuring dental safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of time-dependent carbamide peroxide (CP) teeth whitening treatments on dental cell viability.
- To assess changes in enamel organic content following CP exposure.
- To compare the effects of CP and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) and gingival fibroblast cells (HGFCs).
Main Methods:
- An in-vitro dentin perfusion assay model was utilized.
- Teeth were exposed to 5% or 16% CP gel for 4 hours daily over 2 weeks.
- Cell viability was assessed using hemocytometry and morphological changes; enamel organic content was measured via thermogravimetry.
Main Results:
- Both 5% and 16% CP significantly reduced enamel protein content compared to controls.
- CP treatments led to variations in enamel organic content.
- Cell viability of HDPSCs decreased exponentially over time, indicating a time-dependent deleterious effect.
Conclusions:
- Even low concentrations of H2O2 and CP negatively impact enamel protein content.
- Dental cell viability, including HDPSCs and HGFCs, is compromised by these whitening agents.
- The observed in-vitro effects warrant further investigation in in-vivo models.
