Effects of different degrees of acidity and concentration of bleaching agents on human enamel mineral content and surface morphology over time

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pH and concentration of bleaching agents on the mineral content and surface morphology of human dental enamel for 14 days. Material and Methods : Eighty human central incisors were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=10): G1-7.5% hydrogen peroxide/pH=9.0; G2–9.5% hydrogen peroxide/pH=9.0; G3-7.5% hydrogen peroxide/pH=7.0; G4-9.5% hydrogen peroxide/pH=7.0; G5-10% carbamide peroxide/pH=5.0; G6-16% carbamide peroxide/pH=5.0; G7-37% phosphoric acid 15s (positive control); G8-no treatment (negative control). The mineral analysis of the bleaching gel collected was assessed by ICP-AES and surface morphology was observed by SEM. Results : Friedman and Dunn’s statistical test demonstrated significant differences among the proposed treatments (p 0.01). However, the latter groups showed significantly higher values as compared to groups G1, G2, G3 and G4 (p<0.01). Conclusion : Alteration in enamel mineral content may not be influenced by concentration when bleaching agents with the same pH are compared. The most apparent alterations in mineral content and surface morphology may be noted when more acidic products are used. The daily mineral content measurement may not be influenced by repeated applications of bleaching agents. Keywords Dental bleaching; Mineral content; Enamel; Peroxide; Demineralization; pH.