TEETH WHITENING AND SENSITIVITY: EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TOPICAL DESENSITIZERS

Abstract

Tooth whitening has become one of the most sought-after procedures in cosmetic dentistry, demonstrating high efficacy through the use of oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Despite being a conservative and safe treatment, dentin hypersensitivity stands out as the main and most common adverse effect, occurring due to the rapid penetration of peroxides through the dentinal tubules to the pulp chamber, triggering a state of cellular stress, inflammation, and reversible pulpitis. Given this problem, this text aims to synthesize the etiopathogenesis of hypersensitivity and evaluate the efficacy of topical desensitizing agents in its management. The literature demonstrates that the use of neurally acting desensitizers, such as potassium nitrate, and obliterating agents, such as sodium fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite, and calcium-containing compounds (CPP-ACP), is highly effective in preventing and reducing the intensity of acute pain. These agents can be applied beforehand, incorporated into the whitening gels themselves, or used immediately after the sessions, offering relief to the patient without compromising aesthetic effectiveness and the final enamel color change. In addition to topical therapies, the literature indicates that the association with photobiomodulation (low-power lasers) immediately after gel removal and the personalization of clinical protocols by the dentist represent the most promising modern strategies to ensure the success of the whitening treatment and the well-being of the individual.