Tooth Sensitivity, Bleaching Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Young People and Adults: A Stratified, Randomized...

This study compared tooth sensitivity, bleaching efficacy, and the impact on oral health-related quality of life between at-home and in-office tooth bleaching in adults and young individuals.

Eighty participants, 40 young people (14-20 years) and 40 adults (40-60 years), were randomly assigned to receive either at-home or in-office bleaching. Tooth sensitivity was assessed using the visual analog scale and numerical rating scale. Color change was evaluated using the VITA Bleachedguide 3D-MASTER and VITA Classical shade guides and digital photographic analysis. Oral health-related quality of life was measured using the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Statistical analyses included two-way and repeated-measures ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Friedman tests (α = 0.05).

Tooth sensitivity increased during treatment but returned to baseline within 7 days post-bleaching. The absolute risk of sensitivity was similar across age groups and techniques. After 1 month, bleaching was more effective in young people than in adults based on photographic assessments; however, this difference was not detected using shade guides. No significant differences were observed in oral health-related quality of life between groups.

Tooth sensitivity resolved after treatment in both age groups. Although bleaching efficacy was greater in young people, this did not result in differences in oral health-related quality of life.

Tooth bleaching in young people with fully erupted permanent dentition, when performed under professional supervision, appears to be safe and effective. Although young people showed greater bleaching efficacy than adults, tooth sensitivity and short-term quality of life outcomes were similar between age groups and techniques. These findings support the cautious, individualized, and ethically guided use of bleaching in this population.