Peroxide-containing tooth whiteners: an update on safety.

The efficacy of peroxide-containing tooth whiteners has been well accepted; however, controversy concerning their safety has continued. Recently, a court ruling resulted in a ban on peroxide-containing tooth whiteners in the United Kingdom. While the decision was based on the classification of whiteners, there were issues with specious concerns about the safety, particularly carcinogenicity, of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This article reviews and discusses available scientific data on the carcinogenicity of H2O2 and consequently, their implications in the use of whiteners. An update on the effect of whiteners on the enamel surface is also included because controversial results were reported in recent studies. Based on current information, it is concluded that the proper use of dentist-monitored, at-home tooth whiteners containing 10% carbamide peroxide imposes no risk of carcinogenicity and does not cause irreversible damage to enamel.