Tooth Whiteners do not Cause Cancer

Ivanhoe Newswire
Monday, November 20, 2006; 6:05 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- If you want a hundred-Watt smile, but are worried about the potential side-effect of teeth whiteners, at least you can be assured they don't cause cancer.

Researchers from the University of Toronto combed through data from previous studies and clinical research to reach this conclusion. In more than 4,000 study participants using tooth whiteners, there was no data to suggest a link between the products and oral cancer.

The active ingredient in tooth whiteners is hydrogen peroxide. Researchers report exposure to the chemical when whitening teeth is too low and too short in duration to cause changes in tissues in the mouth which could increase the risk of cancer.

The researchers also examined the data to discover if people who smoke and whiten their teeth are more likely to develop oral cancer than smokers who do not whiten their teeth. No link was found there either.

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SOURCE: Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 2006;18