Bleaching is a cosmetic procedure to whiten the teeth using hydrogen peroxide. This changes the natural color of the teeth and removes both surface and deep stains. The degree of color change that occurs during bleaching depends on the types of stains present, the peroxide dose, the amount of time on the teeth and how frequently it is performed.

Canadian researchers conducted a thorough review of the literature on this procedure, including numerous unpublished clinical studies, to evaluate any potential link to oral cancer. The review found that tooth whitening products are safe when used as directed. Exposure of the active ingredient in these bleaching products is too low and too short in duration to cause changes in the oral tissues that may increase the risk of cancer. There is no evidence that proper use of these products causes oral cancer or any other effects that could be associated with increasing the risk of oral cancer.

The review also evaluated the use of dental bleaching products in smokers, who commonly use such products and are also at a separate increased risk for oral cancers. There was no evidence found that the combination of smoking and dental bleaching increased the risk of oral cancer.

This review was published in the November issue of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.

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