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Bleaching techniques in primary teeth: a systematic review

Evidence-Based Dentistry (2024)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

Discolouration of primary teeth, often attributed to trauma and pulpal infection, is a prevalent concern that can significantly impact the esthetics and self-esteem of children. To address this issue, bleaching techniques have emerged as a viable treatment option. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the effectiveness of bleaching agents in managing discoloured primary teeth.

Methods

Two reviewers independently conducted an electronic database search using PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL via EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science until September 26,2023. In vitro studies and case reports that assessed the quantifiable success were included. The present review utilized Distiller SR software for data extraction. The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (CRD42022329831). The quality of studies was analysed with Cochrane tool and the JBI checklist.

Results

The search retrieved 1845 references of which 14 studies were included for qualitative analysis. There were 8 in vitro studies and 6 case reports included in this systematic review. There were 299 teeth samples in the in vitro studies and 18 teeth were assessed in the case reports. All the 18 teeth (6 case reports) showed considerable shade improvement within 7–14 days. However, only 3 teeth were followed up for a period of 12–24 months. Substantial shade improvement was also observed in samples in the in vitro studies.

Conclusion

This systematic review has comprehensively examined the various bleaching agents and methods for the management of discoloured primary teeth. However, it is crucial to recognize that the available evidence is from case reports and is insufficient to make a clinical recommendation.

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Fig. 2: Risk of bias assessment.

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Data availability

All data supporting the findings of this manuscript are available within the article.

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Funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Early Childhood Caries Research (CECCRe), Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Dental College & Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (SRIHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

    Subhashree Sahoo, Krithika Gupta, M. S. Muthu, Selvakumar Haridoss, Kavitha Swaminathan & Priya Jayakumar

  2. Adjunct Research Associate, Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

    M. S. Muthu

  3. Wadgave’s Dental Home, Bidar, Karnataka, India

    Umesh Wadgave

  4. Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates

    Tarun Walia

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  1. Subhashree Sahoo
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Contributions

The responsibility of Dr Subhashree Sahoo was towards conception, design, drafting of the initial manuscript, data collection, carrying out the analysis, and critically reviewing and revising the manuscript. The responsibility of Dr. Krithika Gupta was towards conception, design, drafting of the initial manuscript, data collection, carrying out the analysis, and critically reviewing and revising the manuscript. The responsibility of Dr MS Muthu was towards conception and design, coordinating and supervising data collection, and critically reviewing and revising the manuscript. The responsibility of Dr Haridoss Selvakumar, Dr Kavitha Swaminathan and Dr. Priya Jayakumar was towards conception, critically reviewing and revising the manuscript. The responsibility of Dr. Umesh Wadgave and Dr. Tarun Walia was towards formal analysis, critically reviewing and revising the manuscript.

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Correspondence to M. S. Muthu.

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Sahoo, S., Gupta, K., Muthu, M.S. et al. Bleaching techniques in primary teeth: a systematic review. Evid Based Dent (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-024-01001-x

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