Effectiveness of Papain-Based Organic Dentifrices Versus Commercial Whitening Dentifrice on Tea-Induced Tooth Stains: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Tooth discoloration is a common issue for oral health practitioners. Whitening treatments remove surface and deep stains using either chemicals or over-the-counter products. Due to harmful chemical effects, organic whitening products are increasingly preferred. This study compared the effectiveness of organic papain-based dentifrices (Perfora Magic Teeth Whitening Serum, Gurugram, India) on tea stains to commercially available Colgate whitening dentifrices (Colgate-Palmolive, New York, NY).

Methods: Sixty maxillary central incisors for periodontal reasons were used and divided into two groups. Each sample was soaked in freshly brewed tea for 10 minutes daily and stored in artificial saliva (Nanochemazone, Kurukshetra, India) for 24 hours. After four weeks, group 1 was treated with papain-based dentifrices, and group 2 with Colgate Visible White teeth whitening paste (CVWP) daily for four weeks. Spectrophotometric analysis (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) was performed pre-treatment and at four weeks post-treatment. Data were compiled and statistically analyzed.

Results: Compared with group 1, group 2 exhibited an optimal color change (ΔE). Statistically significant differences were observed between the mean ΔL (lightness) and Δb (blueness -b or yellowness +b) values.

Conclusion: CVWP showed better color achievement and stain reduction due to abrasive and peroxide components. Although Perfora Teeth Whitening Serum has low efficacy in upgrading the color of the enamel surface, it is safe for long-term use.