title: Tooth bleaching: its effect on oral tissues.
abstract: After investigating the literature, we suggest these guidelines for tooth bleaching: If bleaching solutions of high concentration are used, prevent accidental exposure of gingival tissues to the solutions by use of a rubber dam. If using lower concentrations of bleaching solutions, avoid long-term exposures to gingival tissues. To maintain pulp vitality, keep bleaching time and temperatures to a minimum. Check teeth for exposed dentin and enamel fractures. Advise patients that thermal sensitivity may occur after the bleaching procedure and may persist for several days. Prescribe premedication with an anti-inflammatory drug, when necessary. Avoid bleaching the cervical area of the tooth by covering the area with a base to avoid cervical resorption. Avoid dentin exposure by noting that abrasive bleaching techniques can remove significant amounts of enamel. Take special care when bleaching enamel--especially near the cervix of the tooth, where the enamel is thin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry SM-56, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195.
authors.forename: L V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bales
mesh_terms: D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000187:drug effects; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000139:chemically induced; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid