Changes in plaque and gingivitis levels after tooth bleaching: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of external tooth‐bleaching products on plaque indices and to compare it to a placebo or a negative control. Methods A protocol was developed aimed to answer the next focused question: What is the effect of tooth bleaching compared to no treatment or a placebo, in subjects without periodontitis aged ≥18 years in the levels of plaque and gingivitis? Two electronic databases were used as sources in the search for studies satisfying the inclusion criteria: (a) The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE via PubMed); (b) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Results Only randomized controlled trials were included. The initial search found 382 potential publications. Seven of them were finally included, and six were used in the meta‐analyses. The use of bleaching products showed higher reductions in plaque (n = 6; standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06, 0.88; P < 0.001) and gingivitis indices (n = 4; SMD = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.22, 0.73; P < 0.001), when compared to a control group (no treatment or placebo). Conclusions External tooth bleaching is associated with statistically significant short‐term reductions in plaque and gingivitis indices. However, no data were available to evaluate long‐term effects.

Effect of Bleaching Agents on Healthy Enamel, White Spots, and Carious Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Tooth bleaching is associated with a statistically significant short-term decrease in biofilm accumulation and improvement in plaque index [23]. It is still unclear if this decrease is attributed to the effect of bleaching agents or whether the people who have their teeth whitened are at the time more aware of their oral hygiene.…”

“…It is still unclear if this decrease is attributed to the effect of bleaching agents or whether the people who have their teeth whitened are at the time more aware of their oral hygiene. However, no data are available to evaluate the long-term effects [23] of this treatment on oral health.…”

Influence of Professional Teeth Whitening on Oral Hygiene

“…[ 7 8 9 ] Several scientific researches show good influence of dental bleaching on individual oral hygiene right after the procedure and in the period of use of individual home bleaching kits. [ 10 ] But, estimation of long-term effects is quite rarely depicted.…”

“…Also, it may be associated with direct influence of bleaching agent on microorganisms and stimulation of patients’ motivation in maintaining high level of individual oral hygiene. [ 10 ] In the previous study, we have already estimated the influence of dental bleaching on oral hygiene 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure. [ 11 ] This research serves as a continuation of the previous one and demonstrates long-term interaction between dental bleaching and oral hygiene 1 year after the procedure.…”