Exploring the potential of tomato juice (Solanum lycopersicum L.) patch for tooth bleaching.

Abstract

Tomato, renowned for its tooth-whitening properties due to its hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase enzyme content, requires formulation for enhanced applicability. This study assessed the dental whitening efficacy of a patch containing tomato juice as the active ingredient. Tomato juice patches were formulated at concentrations of 55%, 60%, and 65%. A control group (C) containing a 12% hydrogen peroxide patch was also included. A matrix layer of the patches was prepared using the solvent casting method at 40 for 18 h, with TegadermTM applied as the backing layer. For the dental whitening procedure, each group of patches was applied to the labial surface of anterior stained teeth (n=6/group) for 3 h, repeated 14 times. Tooth brightness was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively using digital dental photo CIEL*a*b* analysis. Meanwhile, enamel surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for statistical analysis. The application of tomato juice patches led to enhanced tooth brightness. The patch containing 65% tomato juice significantly improved stained tooth brightness (P<0.05). SEM analysis revealed less enamel erosion with the 65% tomato juice patch compared to the 12% hydrogen peroxide patch. Tomato juice patches effectively increased tooth brightness while minimizing demineralization. Further research is needed to optimize formulation and explore its potential.