title: What about whiteners? Safety concerns explored.
abstract: The quest for a brighter, more attractive smile has fueled rapid growth in the marketplace for tooth whiteners. With names like BriteSmile, Denta-Lite, Ultra Lite and Whiter Teeth, these products are grabbing the attention of looks-conscious consumers. More than a dozen whiteners have flooded the market recently, most of them available by dentist prescription, a few being sold directly to consumers over the counter. There's no doubt these products work as whiteners, at least on mild to moderate stains. The looming questions is this: are they safe? This article explores that safety question and seeks to provide practicing dentists with some perspective on the issue. We don't pretend to have the definitive answer. As always, it's up to you, doctor, to decide what's best for your patients. It's up to us to provide information that helps you make those crucial decisions. That's our goal.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Berry
mesh_terms: D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010545:Peroxides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012449:Safety; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000379:methods*; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000628:therapy*; D014508:Urea / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D003802:Dentifrices; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010545:Peroxides; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D014508:Urea