In vitro adherence of bacteria to bleached or unbleached enamel surfaces

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of three 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents on adherence of bacteria to tooth enamel surface. Enamel specimens were subjected to one of three carbamide peroxide solutions for 8 h per day for 30 days. Control specimens were kept in saline solution. Profilometer evaluation of surface roughness was performed on all specimens. The adherence of Streptococcus mutans was determined bacteriologically. There was no significant difference in surface roughness between the untreated and treated enamel specimens but a statistically significant difference was found in the adherence of S. mutans to bleached and unbleached enamel specimens. Specimens treated with Opalescence showed the highest adherence.