From the desk of Dr. Pettey:

Whitening Process Not Just Cosmetic

A recent study shows that a cosmetic tooth whitening procedure has oral health benefits as well. Specifically, the UV free, blue light that is part of the whitening procedure has bacteria-killing properties that help fight periodontal disease and gingivitis.

The study was conducted by the Forsyth Institute and published in the April 2005 Issue of the Journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. It used bacterial cultures containing as many as 600 different bacteria collected from 15 patients, all of whom suffered from periodontitis but had not undergone treatment for it within the previous three months. The cultures were exposed to varying intervals of the UV-free blue light for varying lengths of time and then examined to see which, if any, bacteria had been killed.

The results showed that even as little as 60 seconds' exposure significantly reduced the bacteria contributing to gingivitis and periodontal disease, while not only leaving the bacteria that are beneficial to the mouth unharmed, but also helping it grow. Increasing the beneficial bacteria and reducing the harmful promotes a bacterial balance necessary for a healthy mouth.

This is the first study to show the beneficial properties of UV-free blue light associated with a cosmetic procedure.

*Reprinted from with permission from the American Dental Hygienists' Association publication, if applicable, magazine or source name, the issue, year, volume and number.

---

Previous "From the Office of ..." messages:

Quitting Smoking

An Implant that Stuck

Bottled or Tap?

Sports Mouthguards

Breakfast Best Bet

Smiling

Women in Dentistry