Efeitos adversos dos agentes clareadores

Abstract

Introduction: Teeth whitening is a treatment commonly used nowadays to whiten teeth. Professionals need to be able to identify the etiology of the darkening in order to determine the type of whitening gel, the concentration and the most appropriate technique. Many studies have found side effects during and after the procedure, including dentinal hypersensitivity, changes in the structure of enamel and soft tissues and changes in the properties of composite resins. Objectives: To analyze the adverse effects of the use of bleaching agents through a literature review. Materials and methods: The following databases were consulted: SciELO, Google Scholar and PubMed, using the descriptors: “bleaching agents”, “tooth whitening” and “dental aesthetics”, from 1989 to 2023. Results: It is essential that professionals and patients are aware of the risks of indiscriminate use of whitening agents. Dentin sensitivity is a side effect frequently associated with tooth whitening. In addition, it can cause irritation or burns to the soft tissues due to its caustic effect, and in the presence of restorations, there is a greater chance of microleakage at the tooth-restoration junction. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is considered a co-carcinogenic promoter, as it stimulates the proliferation of cells with DNA modified before the initiating factors. The prolonged and unsupervised use of these agents can lead to severe consequences. Final considerations: Although tooth whitening has good aesthetic results, it should be used with caution and always recommended and monitored by a professional, as it can cause irreversible damage.