1950 Effectiveness of 5.3% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips in teenagers with fluorosis or white/brown enamel discoloration

K.J. DONLY1 , A. SEGURA1 , L. BAHARLOO1 , X. ZHOU2 , and R.W. GERLACH2 , 1 University of Texas Health Science Center--San Antonio, USA, 2 The Procter & Gamble Company, Mason, OH, USA

Objective: The purpose of the clinical study was to evaluate response of a 5.3% hydrogen peroxide tooth whitening strip system in conditions of fluorosis or other white/brown enamel discoloration.

Methods: A total of 46 subjects 10 to 18 years of age used 5.3% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips. Of these, 18 subjects (39%) had visible fluorosis or other white/brown enamel discoloration prior to treatment, while the remaining 28 subjects had more uniform yellow tooth discoloration. Treatment was twice daily over an 8-week period (maxillary arch followed by mandibular arch), with efficacy measured using digital image analysis.

Results: Mean baseline tooth color was less yellow (p =0.01) and brighter (p =0.08) among subjects with enamel discoloration. Both groups experienced significant (p < 0.0001) color improvements after 2 or 4 weeks whitening strip treatment. The two diagnostic categories did not differ significantly (p > 0.30) with respect to response at any time points. Less than 11% of subjects reported tooth sensitivity or oral irritation, and no subject discontinued treatment early due to an adverse event.

Conclusion: These data demonstrated statistically significant improvement in color for pre-teens and teens with enamel discoloration, similar in magnitude to that seen for children without these enamel defects.

Seq #185 - Clinical Evaluations of Tooth Bleaching and Sensitivity 11:00 AM-12:15 PM, Friday, 8 March 2002 San Diego Convention Center Exhibit Hall C