With extensive experience in oral and plastic surgery, Dr. Dave Steuer is a respected presence in the healthcare field. As a private practitioner, Dr. Dave Steuer’s areas of focus have been on dental implants and endodontics.

Recent research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology says that teeth whitening products may have more risks than previously thought. Most studies have looked at the impact of whitening agents on the enamel, the protective outer coating of the tooth. The studies ignored the impact on dentin, the bony tissue that makes up the majority of the tooth. A particular concern is how hydrogen peroxide, a key ingredient in many whitening products, interacts with collagen, the most common protein in dentin. 

With research indicating that whitening strips may adversely impact collagen levels, the health impact is unclear. There may be minimal health effects since the pulp, the soft center of the tooth, is able to regenerate lost collagen. However, when the tooth’s pulp is lost in root canals, collagen cannot be regenerated. 

In addition, collagen replacement is slow even in healthy teeth, which may indicate that too many whitening treatments within a short period should be avoided. At present, whitening products carry American Dental Association warnings for being associated with temporary gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity.