OVER THE COUNTER BLEACHING PRODUCTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

In order to the great aesthetic appeal for white teeth today, whitening has become very popular and affordable on the market. In the current days, there are many whitening products available in pharmacies, groceries and convenience stores. These products are called “over the counter” or OTC products. They are sold as cosmetics with non-prescription. The objective of this study is to review the literature articles surveyed in BVS, Scielo , Medline databases following the Descritores em Ciências da Saúde ( DeCS ) with emphasis on recent bleaching techniques introduced to the market as well as its indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages. OTC products do not have commercial regulation which hinders the supervision of tooth whitening by a dentist. These contain different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide which can bring consequences such as tooth sensitivity and gum when used without indication and supervision.