해조류 추출물의 우치 미백 효과와 셀프 성형 트레이를 활용한 치아미백 임상시험 연구

Tooth Whitening Effects of Seaweed Extracts on Bovine Incisors and a Clinical Trial Using a Self-Forming Tray System

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate a natural, seaweed-based tooth whitening agent as a safer alternative to hydrogen peroxide-based products and to assess the clinical efficacy of a natural bleaching agent using a self-molding tray system. Methods: In vitro tests were conducted on bovine incisors using water extracts from four seaweeds: Sargassum fulvellum, Saccharina japonica, Gelidium amansii, and Hizikia fusiforme, at a concentration of 250 mg/ml. Tooth color was measured at eight time points using VITA Easyshade V. In parallel, a clinical trial with 35 participants was conducted over three weeks. Subjects used seaweed-based whitening gel with a custom-molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) tray. The tooth color was confirmed by measuring the maxilla and mandible, and subjective evaluation was also conducted. Results: G. amansii and S. japonica extracts showed significant whitening effects over time, especially in the middle and incisal thirds of teeth. Clinical trial results showed a statistically significant color improvement in all upper and lower anterior teeth, with the most noticeable changes seen in teeth #11 and #41. Participants reported high satisfaction in terms of safety, absence of sensitivity, and visible whitening effects. Approximately 49% noticed whitening within 3 days, and over 90% within 10 days. Conclusions: Seaweed-based whitening agents demonstrated effective and gradual whitening effects, comparable to conventional hydrogen peroxide-based products, but with significantly fewer adverse effects. These natural alternatives offer promising applications for safer, sustained oral care and esthetic improvement, including halitosis reduction and increased salivary secretion.