$Unique_ID{BRK01493}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Do Tooth Whitening Products Really Work?}
$Subject{whiteners teeth safety FDA}
$Volume{I-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Do Tooth Whitening Products Really Work?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I have noticed a lot of advertisements for a new type of tooth
paste that claims to actually whiten your teeth.  The type of programs that
promote these products always make me suspicious, so I thought I would write
and ask your opinion.  Do these products really work, how do they work and are
they safe to use?  Your comments would be most appreciated.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  The tooth pastes you refer to use a method that does make teeth
whiter through a bleaching process.  Most of them use a type of chemical known
as an "oxygenating agent" that actually bleaches the discoloration out of the
tooth, removing the color much as a laundry bleach removes dirt from clothing.
In the case of these tooth paste products, the most commonly used chemical is
a 10 percent concentration of carbamide peroxide, which, when it comes in
contact with the fluids in the mouth, is transformed into hydrogen peroxide
that releases the highly active form of oxygen that finally reacts with the
teeth.  As to the safety of these products, particularly over time, that is
more difficult to answer.  The American Dental Association (ADA) has expressed
concerns about the safety of these products, and has asked the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to investigate the problem.  The ADA says there is not
enough scientific data on the safety of the products, the manufactures of the
tooth products say they are safe to use as directed, and the FDA is trying to
decide whether these are cosmetic products or drugs, for which there are more
stringent rules concerning safety and efficacy.  These new products seem to be
most useful in cases where the discoloration is mild to moderate, resulting
from cigarettes, coffee food or aging, but severe discoloration that results
from the exposure to certain antibiotics during the growth years is less
likely to be affected.  Some dentists offer treatments with similar products,
that have the advantage of being used under supervision, and the disadvantage
of being costly and time consuming.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
