The combined use of a nonabrasive, activator-containing toothpaste and a light emitting diode device improves the onset time of tooth whitening

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this randomized clinical study was to assess the onset time of the whitening effect of a combined use of a nonabrasive, activator-containing toothpaste and a light emitting diode (LED) device, compared to that of the toothpaste alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nonabrasive, activator-containing toothpaste was used twice daily alone or combined with an LED device for 15 days. The onset of the tooth whitening effect was evaluated through tooth color (a* b*, CIELAB) and tooth whiteness (WIO) by image analysis of standardized images. Local tolerance was assessed at days 1, 8, and 15. RESULTS: On day 8, a significant (P = 0.003) tooth whitening effect compared to day 1 was observed with the toothpaste and the LED device, sustaining until the end of the study. Whitening using the toothpaste alone was significant compared to day 1 after 15 days, only. One subject reported mild redness, itching, and burning on day 1 on the gum of the lower jaw that was possibly related to with the toothpaste. The subject withdrew from the study. No adverse event was reported in the group using the LED device. CONCLUSION: Both tooth whitening methods had a significant whitening effect after 15 days of use. However, the onset of whitening was significantly faster when using the nonabrasive, activator-containing toothpaste combined with an LED device. The toothpaste and LED device were both safe.