Degradation of bleaching agents under two different storage conditions

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to determine if there is any change in the active ingredient of tooth-whitening agents when the products are received from the manufacturer (Baseline), two months, four months, and six months after they are received, under two different storage conditions. Thirty-six products were received from multiple manufacturers: eight with hydrogen peroxide and 28 carbamide with peroxide products. All the bleaching syringes for a specific product were from the same lot. Once the products were received, one sample of each product was stored at room temperature and the other sample was stored in a refrigerator. Assays to determine the baseline concentration were performed within the first two weeks of their arrival and again 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months after receiving the products. All samples were analyzed for peroxide content by using the United States Pharmacopeia recommended method. The results obtained from this study show the following: 1. Bleaching products have different concentrations than what are indicated on the label. 2. Storage of bleaching products for an extended time at room temperature can cause bleaching products to lose some of their potency. 3. The preferable storage condition verified in this study is under refrigeration.