These whitening strips can damage your teeth

TUESDAY, April 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) – A white, pearly smile can have a huge cost – the health of your teeth.

New research suggests that over-the-counter bleaching tapes can erode the structure of your choppers.

"This study shows that these bleaching treatments result in a loss of protein in the teeth," said Kelly Keenan, senior author, badociate professor of chemistry at Stockton University in Galloway, N.J.

Although research has focused on over-the-counter products, Keenan believes that those used by dentists could also cause harm.

"Whether you buy over the counter or go to a dentist, it's the same ingredient – it's hydrogen peroxide. I do not know of a safer alternative for the teeth whitening, "she said.

But not everyone thinks the Americans should give up their love of bright white smiles.

"Anything that can hurt my teeth concerns me and I've read that whitening can soften the teeth, but clinically, it does not concern me," said Dr. James Sconzo, head of the New Dental Department. York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. "I have not found any higher rate of decomposition in people who whiten their teeth."

Sconzo, who did not participate in the study, said he was more concerned about tooth damage caused by other substances, such as sugary sports drinks.

Americans spend billions of dollars every year on teeth whitening products, including whitening strips, researchers said.

The teeth consist of several layers – the outer layer is protective enamel. The next layer is called dentin, which is the essential part of the tooth, according to the researchers. Dentin contains high levels of protein and most is a substance called collagen.

Keenan and his team conducted three experiments with over-the-counter bleaching bands. Whole teeth have been placed in artificial saliva to try to mimic the conditions in the mouth.

The teeth were treated with the strips for 20 to 60 minutes (the recommended time), with a turn of 20 bands.

The researchers found that exposure to hydrogen peroxide in the strips resulted in the transformation of the main protein of dentin into smaller fragments. In another experiment, they treated pure collagen with hydrogen peroxide. The collagen of origin has disappeared.

The study did not examine whether teeth in the natural state in the mouth could regenerate proteins after exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

Sconzo suspects that this is probably what happens. "Dentin is a living cell matrix," he said.

It has been many years since he whitens teeth with a higher hydrogen peroxide concentration than used in these experiments, and he "saw no red flags," he said. he declares.

"I have not seen any clinical evidence that the teeth were damaged," said Sconzo.

The American Dental Association would not comment.

The studies are due to be presented Tuesday at the Experimental Biology meeting in Orlando, Florida. Results presented at meetings are generally considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The AARP has more information on teeth whitening.