3-Month Antitartar Efficacy of Daily 6% Hydrogen Peroxide Strips

Objective: This research evaluated the effects of a daily hydrogen peroxide/pyrophosphate-containing strip on post-prophylaxis calculus accumulation. Methods: A 3-month, randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare calculus accumulation with a daily 6% hydrogen peroxide pyrophosphate strip versus regular brushing. After an 8-week run-in to identify calculus formers, a prophylaxis was administered, and 77 subjects were randomly assigned to daily strip or brushing only groups. All subjects were received an anticavity dentifrice (Crest® Cavity Protection) and manual brush for use throughout the 3 month study, and for subjects assigned to the experimental group, strip application was once daily for 5 minutes on the facial and lingual surfaces of the mandibular teeth. Efficacy was measured as mm calculus (VM-I) before prophylaxis, and after 6 & 12 weeks treatment, while safety was assessed from examination and interview. Results: Subjects ranged in age from 21-87 years, with groups balanced (p>0.26) on pertinent demographic and behavioral parameters, and pre-prophylaxis calculus scores (16.0 mm). At Week 6, calculus accumulation was lower in the strip group, with adjusted mean (SE) lingual VM-I of 12.0 (0.87) for the strip group and 17.0 (0.88) for the brushing control. Results were similar at Week 12, and treatments differed significantly (p<0.02) on calculus accumulation at both time points. A total of 3 subjects (8%) in the strip group and 2 subjects (5%) in the brushing control had mild oral irritation or tooth sensitivity during treatment, and no one discontinued early due to an adverse event. Conclusion: Daily use of hydrogen peroxide whitening strips with pyrophosphate reduced calculus formation by up to 29% versus regular brushing, without meaningful adverse events.