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The After-Effects from Using Carbamide Peroxide 15

Fifteen-percent solutions of carbamide peroxide are used clinically as teeth-bleaching agents, oral cleansers and inflammation reducers. Doctors and researchers have observed both positive and negative affects from carbamide peroxide 15 use.

  1. Cosmetic

    • A clinical research dentist and professors at University of Maryland Baltimore's College of Dental Surgery conducted a study on the cosmetic effects of carbamide peroxide 15. The teeth-whitening effects of a 15-percent carbamide-peroxide solution were compared with a 10-percent solution of the same in adult participants with no oral disease. Researchers found that both solutions react with moisture on tooth enamel to activate the peroxide's oxygen component. The oxygen effectively bleaches tooth enamel and dentin. After two weeks of treatment with carbamide peroxide 15, the teeth of more than half of study participants became seven-to-nine shades whiter. Subjects experienced tooth and gum sensitivity during treatment with carbamide peroxide 15, but the sensitivity stopped when the treatment was withdrawn.

    Enamel Affects

    • Study results provided by University of Maryland Baltimore's College of Dental Surgery researchers explain that potassium nitrate and fluoride are often added to carbamide peroxide 15 solutions to prevent sensitivity. Positive teeth whitening results prompted further research by dental surgeons at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Researchers, specifically, wanted to find out if carbamide peroxide 15 affected the shear-bond strength of tooth enamel and the micro-hardness of the surface of tooth enamel. Some study subjects were given carbamide peroxide 15 laced with potassium nitrate and fluoride, while others were given plain carbamide peroxide 15. Neither group showed a change in enamel surface micro-hardness. Each group, however, demonstrated a decrease in enamel shear-bond strength immediately after application up to 14 days after the last exposure.

    Oral Rinse Benefits

    • Carbamide peroxide 15 is an antiseptic and debriding or mouth-cleaning agent. It is used clinically as a liquid oral rinse, and is not meant to be swallowed or diluted. In this capacity, carbamide peroxide 15 benefits the entire mouth, not just the teeth. As a viscous teeth whitener, carbamide peroxide 15 sometimes causes sensitivity to gums and mucous membranes. However, as an oral rinse, carbamide peroxide 15 prevents or reduces irritation and inflammation of the mouth and/or gums. According to Drugs.com, carbamide peroxide 15 is prescribed to reduce inflammation caused by dentures, orthodontic appliances, stomatitis, Vincent's infection, periodontitis, canker sores and gingivitis.

    Rinse Side Effects

    • Drugs.com lists some precautions with the use of carbamide peroxide 15 as an oral rinse. Instead of decreasing inflammation for which it is intended, the solution may cause an opposite effect. Carbamide peroxide 15 can worsen oral inflammation. In addition, sore mouth may be accompanied by allergic-type reactions, including rash, swelling, irritation and redness. Fever may even result. For these reasons, patients should be closely monitored by prescribing physicians and seek consultation if any negative symptoms occur.

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