Effect of over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and mouthwash in orthodontics: A literature review

Aim: To summarize and analyze all the available literature on the use of over-the-counter toothpaste and mouthwashes with whitening agents and their possible effects on orthodontic treatment. Background: Tooth color change frequently occurs during orthodontic treatment and represents a self-perceived need. According to the patient's perspective, there is a preference for the use of toothpaste and mouthwashes with some whitening effect. Materials and methods: An electronic bibliographic search in English was carried out until June 2022, in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Randomized or nonrandomized clinical trials and experimental laboratory studies were included. Review results: A total of 57 papers were obtained from an electronic search and 11 studies were included in the review. Outcomes such as strength force elastomeric, color stability, frictional resistance, ion release, shear bond strength (SBS), and adhesive remnant index (ARI) were evaluated. Conclusion: Toothpaste and mouthwashes with whitening action did not have a favorable effect on most of the outcomes evaluated. In some cases regular toothpaste showed a better effect and in other cases, there were no differences with the control group. Only in the outcome release of ions from wires to whitening effect in teeth with or without attached brackets, they have a better performance. Clinical significance: Due to the unfavorable effects of over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes on orthodontic materials and appliances, their use should be justified during treatment.