Whitening Product Experiences Among College Students
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
16-4-2013 2:00 PM
End Date
16-4-2013 4:00 PM
Student's Major
Dental Hygiene
Student's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Mentor's Name
Angela Monson
Mentor's Department
Dental Hygiene
Mentor's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Description
Purpose. This study examined the popularity of whitening products among college students, along with the type of product used and overall experience. The study explored differences between types of whitening products and pain associated with it. Methods. Surveys were distributed to a convenience sample of two health science classes (N=112) at MSU, Mankato. Of those surveyed, 26 majors were represented, with 80.4% Caucasian and 85.7% between the ages of 18 and 22. Results. The majority (74.1%) of students in the sample have used whitening toothpastes and/or mouth rinses. More than half (61.1%) have used over-the-counter whitening strips (ie Crest white strips®), while only 10.7% reported using professional whitening systems (ie custom trays). Participants who used professional systems were significantly more satisfied with results than those who used only white strips (p=.015). Of those who used white strips, 53.9% have used them more than once, with 18.7% reporting using them seven times or more. There were no significant differences in reported pain levels associated with tooth or gum sensitivity between white strips and professional systems. Males reported liking the color of their teeth more than females (p=.001). Females were more likely to be influenced by the belief whitening does not work (p=.002). Conclusion. The findings in the study suggest there is an high demand for white teeth, especially among college age individuals. Although over-the-counter whitening products tend to be more popular, the satisfaction was greater when professional whitening systems were used. Further research with a larger random sample is needed.
Whitening Product Experiences Among College Students
CSU Ballroom
Purpose. This study examined the popularity of whitening products among college students, along with the type of product used and overall experience. The study explored differences between types of whitening products and pain associated with it. Methods. Surveys were distributed to a convenience sample of two health science classes (N=112) at MSU, Mankato. Of those surveyed, 26 majors were represented, with 80.4% Caucasian and 85.7% between the ages of 18 and 22. Results. The majority (74.1%) of students in the sample have used whitening toothpastes and/or mouth rinses. More than half (61.1%) have used over-the-counter whitening strips (ie Crest white strips®), while only 10.7% reported using professional whitening systems (ie custom trays). Participants who used professional systems were significantly more satisfied with results than those who used only white strips (p=.015). Of those who used white strips, 53.9% have used them more than once, with 18.7% reporting using them seven times or more. There were no significant differences in reported pain levels associated with tooth or gum sensitivity between white strips and professional systems. Males reported liking the color of their teeth more than females (p=.001). Females were more likely to be influenced by the belief whitening does not work (p=.002). Conclusion. The findings in the study suggest there is an high demand for white teeth, especially among college age individuals. Although over-the-counter whitening products tend to be more popular, the satisfaction was greater when professional whitening systems were used. Further research with a larger random sample is needed.
Recommended Citation
Reimann, Whitli and Megan Groebner. "Whitening Product Experiences Among College Students." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/poster-session-B/33
