Will 10% carbamide peroxide teeth whiteners cause cancer?
Concerns have been postulated that teeth whiteners can possibly cause cancer of the soft tissues of the mouth. These concerns are related to the fact that the peroxide contained in teeth whiteners breaks down to form molecules called “free radicals.” Free radicals are capable of causing cellular damage. The appropriate use of dentist-monitored at-home teeth whiteners containing 10% carbamide peroxide have not been shown to produce a carcinogenic risk. • The concentration of hydrogen peroxide produced by these whiteners is low, on the order of 3.5%. Studies involving hydrogen peroxide at about this same concentration (actually 3.0%) have not shown a carcinogenic risk. • When using custom bleaching trays fabricated by a dentist the contact between the tooth whitener and a person’s soft tissues (“gums”) is minimal. • One of the human body’s main defenses against the adverse effects of peroxide is a compound found in saliva. This compound has been calculated to be able to effectively neutr
