Comparison of the effect of dental bleaching with carbamide peroxide 15% and carbamide peroxide 20% on periodontal health

Dental bleaching is known as an esthetic treatment for discolored teeth. However, it may damage periodontal tissues. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dental bleaching between carbamide peroxide 15% and 20% on periodontal health.

This clinical trial was conducted on 45 healthy volunteers aged 20-40 years that required dental bleaching. The subjects were assigned into three groups (n=15) according to treatment agents: carbamide peroxide 15% (CP15), carbamide peroxide 20% (CP20), and placebo (P). After eight hours administration of the agents for six nights, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated at four time points (basal and 7th, 9th, and 21th dyas following bleaching). Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 using ANOVA, paired t-test, chi-square and Friedman tests (P<0.05).

There were no significant differences in PI, GI or BOP among three groups at any time points (P>0.05). PI, GI or BOP presented slight and generally not significant variation during study period.

According to the findings, bleaching with carbamide peroxide 15% and 20% has no adverse effects on periodontal health. Keywords: dental bleaching, carbamide peroxide, plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing