The effect of 30% hydrogen peroxide and a paste of sodium perborate mixed with hydrogen peroxide at different temperatures and time intervals on the microhardness of human enamel and dentin was examined. Intact extracted human teeth were sectioned, embedded in acrylic resin, polished, and divided into four test groups related to surface treatment. The groups were 30% hydrogen peroxide at 37 degrees C, 30% hydrogen peroxide at 50 degrees C in an illuminated chamber, a paste of sodium perborate mixed with hydrogen peroxide at 37 degrees C, and a paste of sodium perborate mixed with hydrogen peroxide at 50 degrees C in an illuminated chamber. Teeth treated with distilled water at either 37 degrees C or 50 degrees C served as controls. The results indicated that treatment with 30% hydrogen peroxide reduced the microhardness of both enamel and dentin. This reduction was statistically significant after 5-min treatment for the dentin and after 15-min treatment for the enamel (p < 0.05). Treatment with sodium perborate mixed with hydrogen peroxide did not alter the microhardness of either the enamel or dentin at the tested temperatures and time intervals. It is therefore suggested that the use of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for bleaching purposes should be limited. Sodium perborate appears to be a less damaging bleaching agent.