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A new study shows that a tiny amount of enamel decalcifies after application of home teeth-whitening products. Teeth can recalcify after minimal enamel loss, and fluoride assists in remineralization. So basically, the five brands of home whitener* that were evaluated are still considered safe.

What’s the point, then? The study’s findings provide reason for manufacturers to tweak home whitening systems and improve future generations of the products.

While other studies have tried and failed to measure enamel loss, this recent study by researchers at The Ohio State University measured enamel reduction to the billionth of a meter using a nanometer scale, rather than in microns, which measure to a millionth of a meter. Enamel loss ranged from 1.2 to 2 nanometers after home teeth whitening was applied. It seems that white strips tend to reduce enamel less than tray methods.

*The five home whitening systems for which results were analyzed in the study were Crest Whitestrips Premium Plus, Crest Whitestrips Supreme, Nite White ACP tray system, Oral B Rembrandt tray system, and Treswhite Opalescence tray system.

SOURCE: MedicalNewsToday.com