Quantitative Analysis of Tooth-Whitening Efficiency Using Natural Bleaching Agents: An In Vitro Spectrophotometric Evaluation.

Aim: While conventional whitening agents provide effective color change, concerns linger regarding enamel health. This study explored the potential of natural alternatives for coffee stain removal on extracted teeth, aiming to identify safe and efficacious options for patients seeking noninvasive bleaching solutions. Materials and Methods: This study employed 50 extracted permanent anterior teeth divided into five groups (negative control, positive control, strawberry, pineapple, and honey). Standardized coffee staining was applied to all teeth followed by 3 weeks of twice-daily treatment with their respective solutions. Shade changes were measured objectively using a Konica Minolta Spectrophotometer CM-5 at baseline and after 1, 7, 14, and 21 days post-treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted with Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey post hoc tests (IBM® SPSS®). Results: Strawberry juice exhibited equivalent ΔE (color change) compared with 35% hydrogen peroxide (P > 0.99), indicating similar stain removal efficacy. Both pineapple juice and honey solution displayed significantly lower ΔE values compared with the control and strawberry juice groups (P = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively), suggesting limited bleaching capability. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of strawberry juice as a viable alternative to conventional bleaching agents, offering comparable stain removal efficacy on coffee-stained teeth and further highlighting the need for further research on their effectiveness in clinical settings. Meanwhile, pineapple juice and honey solution exhibited limited bleaching potential. These findings contribute to the expansion of safe and potentially noninvasive teeth-whitening options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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