Susceptibility of Enamel Treated with Bleaching Agents to Mineral Loss after Cariogenic Challenge

Objectives . Controversial reports exist whether bleaching agents cause a susceptibility to demineralization. The aim of this study was to compare the calcium loss of enamel treated with different bleaching agents and activation methods. Method and Materials . The specimens obtained from human premolars were treated in accordance with manufacturer protocols; 10% carbamide peroxide, 38% hydrogen peroxide light-activated, 38% hydrogen peroxide laser-activated, and no treatment (control). After cariogenic challenge calcium concentrations were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Results . No differences were found between the calcium loss of the laser-activated group and 10% carbamide peroxide group ( p > 0.05). However, the differences between laser-activated and control groups were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). The differences between 10% carbamide peroxide and the control group were not significant ( p > 0.05). On the other hand, the light-activated group showed a significantly higher calcium loss compared with the other groups ( p < 0.05). Conclusions . The results show that bleaching agents may cause calcium loss but it seems to be a negligible quantity for clinical aspects.