In vivo evaluation of whitening toothpaste efficiency and patient treatment satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives To assess the whitening efficiency and patient satisfaction after usage of commercially available toothpastes with the different whitening ingredients. Materials and methods This randomized controlled trial study comprised 161 participants who were randomly divided into eight groups based on used whitening or control/conventional toothpaste (Colgate Max Expert White [CMEW], n = 20; Signal Daily White [SDW], n = 20; Himalaya Sparkly White Herbalis [HSWH], n = 20; Signal White System [SWS], n = 20; Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide [RDWP], n = 20; Splat Extreme White [SEW], n = 20; Splat White Plus [SWP], n = 21; and Kalodont Multi Repair [control], n = 20). Tooth color and color change were evaluated using a spectrophotometer (CIELAB coordinates, Delta E-ab*, Delta E-00, whiteness index change [Delta WID]). Measurements were performed at baseline, 30 days and 60 days after the beginning of treatment, and 30 days after completing treatment - follow-up. Side effects and satisfaction with the whitening outcome were reported throughout the questionnaire. Results The results for Delta L*, Delta a*, and Delta b* showed an increase in lightness and decrease in yellowness for all tested whitening toothpastes compared to the control group after 30 days of use (p <= 0.05). Also, significant tooth color difference (Delta E-ab*, Delta E-00) and whiteness index change (Delta WID) were recorded for all tested whitening toothpastes 30 days and 60 days from the beginning of use (p <= 0.05). Toothpaste containing a combination of urea peroxide and enzyme ingredients (SEW) demonstrated the highest and the longest whitening effect. Conclusions Whitening toothpastes can show perceptibly whitening effect after a short time of usage, but without a long-lasting impact. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04460755