Effects of home bleaching on the tissues of the oral cavity

Eight subjects used a 10 per cent carbamide peroxide (Opalesence) home bleaching system in a mouthguard for 14 nights. Their periodontal health was assessed by measuring gingival crevicular fluid flow with a Periotron 6000, and subjects were given a questionnaire to assess the effects of the bleaching system. There was no significant change in the gingival crevicular fluid flow, recession, bleeding index or plaque index of any patient during the treatment phase. All treated teeth were lightened, and mild transient tooth sensitivity was common to all participants. One subject experienced internal tooth discoloration, possibly due to marginal leakage around an amalgam restoration.