Bromelain: A Natural Approach to Whitening Teeth Effectively

Abstract

Teeth whitening using peroxide is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. While peroxide whitening is time efficient and a relatively low-cost procedure, the goal of a whiter smile may come at a greater cost. Peroxide whitening may be contraindicated for some patients due to the varying side effects. Side effects can include hypersensitivity due to effected tooth structure. Bromelain, an enzyme found in the stems of pineapples, has emerged as a new whitening alternative with greater patient acceptance. The enzyme has been shown to have positive attributes which aid in systemic health and protection of the oral cavity. Extended whitening applications with hydrogen peroxide have shown to affect the enamel matrix, the microhardness of enamel, and the cell viability of the tooth. Bromelain, with similar whitening applications, has shown to produce similar results as peroxide whitening gel without affecting the tooth structure. Peroxide whiteners may lead to dentinal hypersensitivity during the degradation of the enamel by hydrogen peroxide while tooth bleaching, damaging the fibroblasts. Due to the altered tooth structure, hydrogen peroxide moves through the exposed dentinal tubules to the pulp chamber causing a sensitive nerve impulse to the patient’s oral cavity. When used for bleaching, Bromelain has shown to degrade the tooth stain on the enamel surface allowing light to reflect off of the enamel surface giving the appearance of a whiter smile visible to the naked eye. During this process the structure of the tooth is not altered itself leaving the fibroblasts untouched.