PREDISPOSING FACTORS TO DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH TOOTH WHITENING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This study addresses the predisposing factors for dentin hypersensitivity associated with dental bleaching, which is characterized by a brief, sharp and sudden pain that is suggested by the exposure of the dentin to a thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic or chemical stimulus that cannot be attributed to the type of dentin of any dental defect or disease. This analysis aims to describe the impact factors of hypersensitivity in cases of dental bleaching, collecting information about the bleaching technique and the materials used, comparing the techniques and their effects on hypersensitivity and then reporting the possible predisposing conditions of the patient for the development of hypersensitivity after the bleaching procedure. The bleaching agent is able to penetrate the teeth and act on the pigment particles, promoting whiter teeth. Although the procedure is a simple and effective method, the literature addresses the harmful effects of dental whitening. The oxidative stress caused by the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the dentin causes pain to the patient after the procedure. Therefore, the dentist must evaluate and treat predisposing conditions, such as the presence of recessions; gingival retractions, non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL), cavities, cracks in the enamel or dentin and poorly adapted restorations before performing whitening, to avoid prolonging the oxidative effect, thus avoiding dentin sensitivity.