The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide compared with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel. Fifty enamel‐dentin samples were obtained from bovine incisors and then stained in a tea solution. The stained samples were randomly divided into five groups according to the whitening product applied (n = 10): AS: no whitening (negative control), with the samples stored in artificial saliva; CR: Crest 3D White mouthwash; LS: Listerine Whitening mouthwash; SC: Scope White mouthwash; and OP group: 10% CP Opalescence PF (positive control). Color measurements were carried out with a spectrophotometer before staining, after staining, and on the 7th, 28th, and 56th day of the whitening period. The data were analyzed using two‐way analysis of variance followed by a Tukey post hoc test. The color change (ΔE) was significantly greater in all the groups compared to that of the AS group. After 56 days, no significant differences were found among the mouthwash products with respect to color change (P > 0.05). The whiteness of the teeth treated with the mouthwashes increased significantly over time. Nevertheless, the color change achieved with the mouthwashes was significantly lower than that achieved with the 10% CP at‐home bleaching gel.

Composite materials are widely used in dentistry for direct tooth restorations. However, they are highly sensitive to the working technique employed during the restorative procedure. Even minor procedural errors can have a significant impact on the quality including the longevity of the restoration. Hence the aim of this study was to determine the material preferences and analyse the clinical problems associated with direct composite restorations in a cohort of dentists. A 20-item online questionnaire was created in English and administered 1830 general dentists and specialists in 13 countries. The first section of the questionnaire included four questions to elicit demographic data, and the second section comprised 16 questions focused on material preferences for conservative restorations, durability of composite restorations, and the most challenging stages the dentists faced during the composite restorative procedures. Respondents decided most often to use composite materials for the tooth restorations (OR 997.4, 95% CI 233.8-4254.8, P value <.001). Most respondents indicated that the durability of composite restorations was approximately 7 to 10 years (41.5%). Among the factors affecting durability, maintenance of a dry cavity was the most often reported reason (47.1%) and the foremost challenge faced by dentists (61.0%) during the composite restorative procedures. Our study confirmed that resin-based composites are the most popular material for direct restoration in many countries. Although working with this material is difficult and involves multiple steps, maintaining a dry cavity during bonding, and material application may affect the therapeutic success and durability of these restorations. Clinicians need to be attentive to this issue and be prepared to adapt their decision-making and consider opting for alternative restorative materials, if appropriate.