Effect of tooth-bleaching agents on phosphate concentration in dental enamel by means of Raman spectroscopy

Resumen

Objective: To analyze concentration of phosphate ν1 molecule
in dental enamel by means of Raman spectroscopy after applying dental bleaching materials at different concentrations.
Methodology: 30 recently extracted human teeth were selected. Teeth were free of caries and pigmentations. Raman specters were obtained from each tooth before application of bleaching agents. Specimens were divided into three experimental groups according to the chemical activation of the used bleaching material concentration (Day White®, Discus Dental). Group 1: 9.5% hydrogen peroxide, group 2: 14% hydrogen peroxide, and group 3: 38% hydrogen peroxide. With a Raman spectroscope ν1 phosphate molecule concentration was measured in the dental enamel before application as well as at second and fourth week of bleaching procedure. For repetitive measurements (p ≤ 0.05) ANOVA variance analysis was conducted. Results: In experimental groups 2 and 3 (p ≤ 0.05), a decrease in concentration of phosphate ν1 molecule was observed during treatment execution and at treatment completion group 1 did not reveal statistically signifi cant reduction.
Conclusions: Within the limitations inherent to the present study, it was possible to conclude that the bleaching agent caused loss of concentration of the phosphate ν1 molecule. This loss was greater in higher concentration bleaching procedures.