Innovations in teeth bleaching: harnessing antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for enhanced outcomes

The objective of this study was to provide the first review on the emerging role of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct or alternative to conventional tooth bleaching methods. A detailed literature review of the current knowledge on aPDT bleaching was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar from 2018 to 2024. aPDT targets pigmented substances with precision while minimizing non-specific side effects. Studies have demonstrated that aPDT achieves comparable or superior whitening results to traditional methods, with reduced enamel damage and dentinal hypersensitivity. Antimicrobial action of aPDT further mitigates gingival irritation and secondary infections. aPDT represents a promising innovation in tooth bleaching, offering the dual benefits of aesthetic improvement and biological safety.