Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the bleaching effect of two mouth rinses containing hydrogen peroxide. Thirty premolars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15): Listerine Whitening (LW) and Colgate Plax Whitening (PW). The teeth were fixed on a wax plate and with acrylic resin, at a distance of 5 mm between each other, exposing the buccal surfaces. All teeth were stored in artificial saliva for 45 days, being removed twice a day to be immersed for 1 min in each mouthwash, followed by 10-second washing in tap water. The pH of each product was measured. Digital images of each tooth were captured under standardized conditions. These images were cut in areas previously demarcated and analyzed in Adobe Photoshop 7.0 using the CIEL*a*b* color space system. Data were statistically analyzed by a paired t test and an independent samples t test (p < 0.05). The pH values were 5.6 and 3.4 for LW and PW, respectively. Both treatment groups showed a decrease in the b* parameter (p < 0.01), but a decrease of a* was observed only for PW (p < 0.01). While the LW group showed an improvement in lightness (L*) (p = 0.03), the PW group had a decrease in the L* parameter (p = 0.02). Within the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that both products caused some degree of whitening; however, extreme care should be taken when using Colgate Plax Whitening, since its decline in luminosity might be due to its lower pH.
Highlights
Facial and dental aesthetics has been increasingly valued by society in recent years
After 45 days of treatment, there were no statistical differences between the Listerine Whitening (LW) and Plax Whitening (PW) groups for a* (p = 0.5) or b* (p = 0.6)
While LW showed an increase in lightness (L*) (p = 0.03), the PW group had a decrease in the L* parameter (p = 0.02)
Summary
Facial and dental aesthetics has been increasingly valued by society in recent years. Since discolored teeth can influence self-esteem and professional relationships,[1] white and well-aligned teeth represent the most important aspect of the smile. Various procedures are available to improve tooth color, including whitening toothpastes, professional stain removal, enamel microabrasion, vital and nonvital tooth bleaching, porcelain veneers, crowns, and composite bonding.[2] vital tooth bleaching, when correctly administered, is one of the safest, most effective, and conservative aesthetic procedures available for treating discolored teeth.[3]. Tooth-bleaching agents are based on an oxidation-reduction reaction that releases molecular oxygen, which is capable of penetrating the dental structure, causing a breakdown of the pigments responsible for color alteration.[4] The three most commonly used methods of vital tooth bleaching in terms of mode of application are in-office, at-home, and over-the-counter (OTC) prod-
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
