A few days ago I had an in-office tooth whitening procedure with "opalescence" x-boost with a 38% hydrogen peroxide concentration with no light activation involved. Two 15 minute sessions and one 10 minute session were performed in 1 one hour 15 minutes. I would like to know if there is any connection known between hydrogen peroxide and oral cavity cancer.
Thank you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hello Jim765

As far as i know there is very little or no risk of getting a mouth cancer with the tooth whitening procedure you had.

There is extensive information on Tooth Whiteners & Oral Hygiene Products containing hydrogen peroxide in this link: GreenFacts summary by the DG Health and Consumers of the European Commission, well referenced and authorised publication

quote:

In conclusion, the available studies are not in support of a significant genotoxicity/mutagenicity for hydrogen peroxide under in vivo conditions. A wider database of genotoxicity and mutagenicity observations on other relevant target tissues in direct contact with hydrogen peroxide is, however, desirable. Mechanistic studies suggest that cells are adapted to repair DNA damage caused by oxidants; on the other hand there is some evidence that hydrogen peroxide may inhibit the repair of DNA lesions inflicted by other types of reactive chemicals (Churg et al., 1995, Pero et al., 1990, Hu et al., 1995).

According to the principles followed in the EU, hydrogen peroxide is not classified as a mutagen.

An assessment by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP)

Best wishes
Vinod

Thank you Dr. for your reply