Tannbleking. Forskjeller mellom tannblekeprodukter solgt på nett/butikk og produkter som brukes av tannlege

Abstract

Tooth bleaching with a clinical effect needs hydrogen peroxide to act within the tooth substance. According to the new directives from EU and the SCCP (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) dentists can use bleaching products containing hydrogen peroxide between 0.1-6% on patients older than 18 years. Products with up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide may be sold legally on the open market directly to consumers over the counter (OTC-products) or over the Internet.

In the first part of our study we investigated different whitening products, either sold over the counter (OTC-products) or the Internet (Smilelab, Dentawhite, Dentway, Rapid White and iWhite), and a product that is only sold to, and used by, dentists (Opalescence 10% PF). We looked especially at the content of the products and the instructions for use to the customer.

The effective substances in the investigated whitening products were according to information given: Smilelab: hydrogenperoxide; Dentawhite: 22 % and 35% carbamideperoxide; Dentway: sodiumperborate; Rapid White: sodiumchlorite and Opalescence 10% PF contains 10% carbamideperoxide. One of the producers (Tannblekinghjemme.no) did not give any information about the content of the whitening gel. iWhite, sold in pharmacies, has its effect only on the tooth surface, and gives an optical temporary whitening effect due to its content of film-crystallized calcium (FCC-technique).

The instructions for use given for the OTC-products and products from the Internet were clear, and seem to be easy to use for consumers.

SmileLab informs on their website that their product contains hydrogenperoxide, but the actual concentration remained unmentioned. Dentawhite states that none of their products contain hydrogenperoxide. Dentway informs on their website that their products are 100% free from peroxides and animal residues. «Tannblekinghjemme,no» only inform that their bleaching agent is identical with products that are used by dentists. iWhite and Rapid white specify other substances.

In the second part of this study 245 persons (141 women and 104 men) answered a questionnaire about tooth whitening. Sixty-seven of those who answered had bleached their teeth, 46 (69%) with products they had bought in a shop, on the Internet or from a hairdresser. Twenty-one subjects were teated at a dental clinic. Three persons were satisfied with the effect of the OTC-products, 9 with the effect from products bought on Internet and finally 17 with the treatment done at a dental clinic. In all, 38 subjects (57%) of those who had bleached their teeth experienced temporary side effects such as hypersensitivity and sore gums, regardless of where the treatment had been done, at home or in a dental clinic.

We conclude that there are many toothwhitening products, both easy to buy and to use, on the market today. The effective ingredients and methods differ, and for some brands the peroxide levels are higher than 6% - and thus banned in the European Union. This can affect the safety as well as the result of the toothbleaching.