The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 5% sodium hypochlorite solution for removal of stains caused by dental fluorosis in young patients. A clinical trial involved 33 patients with diffuse opacities on the enamel surfaces of maxillary incisors due to effects of dental fluorosis. The protocol of treatment 3 steps:(1) cleaning and enamel etching with 37% phosphoric acid in order to eliminate the layer that covers the fluorotic enamel surface and allow better penetration of the bleaching agent,(2) application of 5% sodium hypochlorite to remove stains caused by organic material, and (3) filling the opened microcavities with a light-cured, composite surface sealant to prevent restaining. The whiteness of the enamel lesions before and after treatment were expressed in L*, a*, and b* color space measurements using a Minolta Chroma Meter CR300. Analysis of parameters of ¢E (L*, a*, b*) showed that changes were observed in the L* (brightness) and a* (redness), which paralleled the ¢E differences. There was no significant difference in the b* (yellow) parameter. The technique described in this study appears to have advantages over other methods for improving the appearance of fluorotic lesions. It is simple, low cost, non invasive so the enamel keeps its structure, relatively rapid, and safe; it requires no special materials, and it can be used with safety on young permanent teeth.

bleaching, sodium hypochlorite, dental fluorosis
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