Phytochemicals in vital tooth bleaching: Spectrophotometric evaluation of efficacy with papaya, pineapple, or kiwi extracts and 30% hydrogen peroxide.

Context: Dental bleaching, a common cosmetic treatment, typically uses hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Yet, the search for natural options has prompted an investigation into fruit extract efficacies such as papain, bromelain, and actinidin for tooth whitening. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 30% hydrogen peroxide and fruit extracts (papaya, pineapple, and kiwi) on human enamel using a spectrophotometer at different time intervals. Study Design: Eighty maxillary anterior teeth were stained with tea solution and evaluated for baseline color. They were then divided into four groups: hydrogen peroxide alone and hydrogen peroxide combined with papaya, pineapple, or kiwi extracts. Each group was further divided based on bleaching duration: 10 or 20 min. Materials and Methods: The color value of the bleached teeth was measured using a reflectance spectrophotometer. In order to analyze the data, one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey, and paired t-tests were used. The significance level was established at α =0.05. Results: Combining hydrogen peroxide with pineapple extract showed the highest efficacy, followed by papaya and kiwi extracts. Hydrogen peroxide alone also demonstrated significant bleaching efficacy, albeit lower than the combinations with fruit extracts. Conclusion: Combining hydrogen peroxide with pineapple and papaya extracts notably improves dental bleaching efficacy, as shown by reduced color difference (ΔE) values. This underscores the potential of natural enzymes in tooth whitening.

Effect of different burs on the topography of smear layer formation on the dentinal surface: a scanning electron microscope study.

Whenever a hand or a rotary instrument is used to eliminate tooth tissue, the mineralized matrix shatters rather then being uniformly sheared, producing considerably quantities of cutting debris. Much of the debris made up of very small particles of mineralized collagen matrix over the surface of dentin is known as smear layer. The clinical outcome of dental restorations is dependent upon the surface preparations, smear layer formation and hybrid layer which which provides a stable adhesion. Different surface morphology is produced by use of different burs. The thickness of the smear layer is affected by various factors as type of the bur, use of water spray and speed of rotation. Bonding is enhanced when smear layer is completely removed or modifed. The purpose of this in vitro study is to evaluate the effect of different burs on the topography of the smear layer formation and thickness on dentinal surface.