Abstract:
Aim: Evaluate the effect of three whitening mouthwashes on tooth enamel color and mineralization. Materials and methods: A total of 66 premolars were prepared and immersed for 3 days in black tea to homogenize the initial color of the teeth. The samples were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 11)—GO: Opalescence Go; LW: Listerine whitening extreme; CL: Colgate Luminous White; OB: Oral-B 3D White; CP: 10% carbamide peroxide; and C: control group. GO was treated with 10% hydrogen peroxide for 60 minutes per 10 days; LW, CL, OB with their respective mouthwash for 2 minutes during 28 days; CP used 10% carbamide peroxide for 8 hours per 14 days. The C group was kept in artificial saliva for 28 days. The color was measured with a spectrophotometer after staining and after exposure to bleaching agents. The relative amount of minerals in the teeth was evaluated using Raman spectroscopy. The data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis statistical test (a = 0.05). Results: Color variation (ΔE-ΔE00) before and after bleaching showed no significant differences between GO and CP; and the mouthwashes had no significant differences between them. L after treatment was statistically greater in CP and GO. Saturation of a and b decreased in all groups after exposure. There were no significant differences regarding the mineral content. Conclusion: The evaluated mouthwashes have a perceptible bleaching effect, without differences between them; however, they do not reach results as professional treatments with carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The use of these products does not generate mineral loss. Clinical significance: Whitening mouthwashes can be used as a complement for professional treatments and are safe since no mineral loss was detected.