Comparative Evaluation of Abrasiveness among Three Dentifrices: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: A lot of herbal and medicated toothpastes having natural and antisensitivity properties are creating niches for themselves in the market. However, toothpaste containing high content of abrasives can be harmful to the teeth. The present in vitro study was conducted to assess the abrasiveness of three commercially available dentifrices on human-extracted anterior teeth on sound and demineralized enamel. Materials and methods: A total of 42 freshly extracted teeth were mounted on acrylic resin and randomly divided into three groups (group I, Colgate; II, Glister; and III, Dant Kanti). Each group consisted of one test tooth (partially) and one control tooth (completely) covered with nail varnish. The study had two phases. Phase 1-baseline average roughness (Ra) value was assessed with a profilometer of all the samples. Phase 2-further, teeth were immersed in the demineralizing solution for 4 days to allow the formation of an artificial carious lesion. Tooth brushing was performed by a customized automated toothbrushing model on all the teeth for 28 days. Ra value was again evaluated with Profilometer. Result: Data were analyzed, and a statistically significant result was observed with demineralized teeth in all three groups (p = 0.005). The intragroup comparison showed a significant difference with demineralized teeth of Colgate and Dant Kanti, (p =0.018) and (p =0.027), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in demineralized teeth of glister and sound teeth of all three groups. Conclusion: Glister was found to be the least abrasive of all three toothpastes, followed by Dant Kanti and Colgate. Clinical relevance: The particle size of the ingredients used in manufacturing toothpaste can lead to abrasion of the teeth.This, in combination with the hard bristles, can cause more harm to the teeth than good. The current study has compared the abrasive potential of three commercially available kinds of toothpaste. Hence daily use of these commercially available dental products should be used cautiously. How to cite this article: Priyam S, Sankeshwari R, Jalihal S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Abrasiveness among Three Dentifrices: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):264-269.

Abrasive Enamel and Dentin Wear Resulting from Brushing with Toothpastes with Highly Discrepant Relative Enamel Abrasivity (REA) and Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) Values.

PURPOSE: To investigate the absolute wear caused by toothpastes with highly discrepant REA (Relative Enamel Abrasivity) and RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) values on both enamel and dentin: Candida Peppermint (CP; REA: 1; RDA: 42), Colgate Total Original (CTO; REA: 4; RDA: 100), Signal White System (SWS; REA: 8; RDA: 143), and Candida White Diamond (CWD; REA 244; RDA: 12). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty (80) bovine enamel samples and 80 dentin samples were divided into four groups each (n = 20) and investigated after a 6-h brushing procedure (21,600 cycles, 60 cycles/min, load of 2.5 N) with the four toothpastes. The abrasive enamel and dentin wear were registered using a contact profilometer. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the abrasive enamel and dentin wear were calculated for each group. Pairwise comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank exact test, and the p-value was adjusted according to Holm (statistical significance set at 0.05). RESULTS: CWD led to the highest abrasive enamel wear (9.86 µm [5.77]). CTO caused the highest abrasive dentin wear (166.70 µm [69.90]), being statistically significantly higher than the wear for CP (54.20 µm [24.00]) and CWD (17.00 µm [7.80]) (p = 0.00001). The abrasive dentin wear for CWD was statistically significantly lower in comparison to all other groups (p = 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Toothpastes with highly discrepant REA and RDA values presented statistically significantly different absolute wear on enamel and dentin. REA and RDA values should both be declared for every toothpaste.

Relative dentin and enamel abrasivity of charcoal toothpastes.

OBJECTIVES: Very little data are known about charcoal toothpastes. The aim of this study was to counteract the missing data by determining the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) and relative enamel abrasivity (REA) values of charcoal toothpastes. METHODS: Radioactively charged dentin and enamel samples were randomly divided into groups of eight specimens. Each group was brushed with two of total 12 charcoal toothpaste slurries and with a standard abrasive with a known RDA and REA value. The measured radioactivity in counts per minute within the slurries corresponds to the amount of dentin or enamel abraded. RDA and REA values of the charcoal toothpastes were expressed relative to the known value of the standard slurry. RESULTS: The RDA and REA values of the charcoal toothpastes have a broad range of 24-166 and 0-14, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The RDA and REA values do not differ significantly from previously tested commercially available toothpastes. However, the lack of fluoride compounds in many of the investigated charcoal toothpastes can have a less beneficial effect for the consumers. It is very important to educate patients accordingly.

Effect of brushing force on the abrasive dentin wear using slurries with different abrasivity values.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the resulting abrasive dentin wear using abrasive slurries with different RDA values and applying increasing brushing forces. METHODS: Forty-five bovine incisors were randomly allocated in three groups (A, B, C, n = 15). One hundred and eighty dentin samples were prepared from these incisors and allocated to twelve groups (A1-A4, B1-B4, C1-C4; n = 15). The groups were subjected to a brushing cycle (120 strokes/min, 25 min) as follows: groups A1 to A4 with an abrasive slurry (RDA = 71) applying increasing brushing forces (1, 2, 3 and 4 N). Groups B1 to B4 were brushed using an abrasive slurry (RDA = 85) and C1 to C4 (RDA = 133) applying the same above-mentioned brushing forces. Abrasive dentin wear was recorded using a stylus profilometer and compared amongst the groups using robust models. Pairwise comparisons in each model were tested and corrected after Tukey's method (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Applying 1-N brushing force resulted in the same amount of abrasive dentin wear in all groups regardless of the abrasivity of the used slurry. Increasing the brushing force to 2 N resulted in statistically significantly higher abrasive wear in all groups. This increase in abrasive wear was much higher when the slurry with high abrasivity was used (RDA = 133) compared with the lower abrasive slurry (RDA = 71). CONCLUSION: The abrasivity of the used slurry does not add to the resulting abrasive wear when the brushing force is kept at 1 N. It seems better to advise and help the patients (showing signs of non-carious cervical lesions) calibrating their brushing force to 1 N, than only to advise them to use toothpastes with lower abrasivities.

Objective assessment of simulated non-carious cervical lesion by tridimensional digital scanning.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the use of 3D intraoral scanner/image analysis for the detection and monitoring of simulated non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 288 NCCLs of different severities and simulated using a laboratorial model associating toothbrush stiffness (soft, medium, and hard) and toothpaste abrasivity (low, medium, high, and negative control) were analyzed. Dental impressions were taken from specimens before and after 35K and 65K brushing strokes, and then scanned with a CEREC Omnicam scanner. 3D models were analyzed for volumetric tooth loss. 3D optical profilometry was considered as the gold standard. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD tests (alpha = 0.05), and agreement between methods by using intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Toothbrushes of hard and mid stiffness caused higher tooth loss than soft when associated with the highest abrasive, at 35K and 65K strokes (p < 0.001). Variation in slurry abrasivity led to differences in tooth loss (with control < low < medium < high, p < 0.0001) after both 35K and 65K strokes, regardless of the type of toothbrush used, except at 35K, wherein control = low (p = 0.55). 35K strokes caused less tooth loss than 65K for all abrasive slurries (p < 0.0001) except controls. The intraclass correlation coefficient for agreement between the test and gold standard methods was 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of 3D images from intraoral scanner could detect and monitor NCCL progression, although this ability was limited on incipient lesions. Overall good agreement was found between the test method and optical profilometry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The suggested method may be applicable to detect and monitor NCCLs clinically.

In vitro abrasivity and chemical properties of charcoal-containing dentifrices.

OBJECTIVE: Charcoal-containing dentifrices are gaining popularity, but scientific information on their effect on oral health is scarce. This study investigated properties of dentifrices that may affect dentine abrasivity, as well as their ability to adsorb fluoride, their pH and the presence of harmful substances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dentifrices NAO and COCO were subjected to the following analyses: abrasivity, expressed as mean abraded depth and relative dentin abrasivity (RDA), and surface roughness of extracted human molars (n = 30) after simulated brushing; fluoride adsorption measured as concentration change; pH measurements; detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The products were compared to a reference dentifrice (Colgate® MaxWhite), positive controls (ISO dentifrice slurry, activated charcoal for laboratory use) and a negative control (distilled water). RESULTS: The mean abraded depths of NAO and COCO were not different (p > .05), but higher than the reference dentifrice and the negative control (p < .05). The RDA values of NAO, COCO and the ISO dentifrice slurry were higher than the reference dentifrice value (p < .05) by up to 10 times. The dentine surface roughness was higher after brushing with NAO, COCO and ISO dentifrice slurry compared to distilled water (p < .05). No change in mean adsorbed fluoride concentration was observed after 24 h (p > .05). Both NAO and COCO were alkaline (pH > 7). Analysis of NAO revealed the presence of naphthalene (112.8 ± 2.0 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: The charcoal-containing dentifrices were abrasive within acceptable limits set by ISO and did not adsorb fluoride. The presence of naphthalene in one product is a cause for concern.

Dentin Abrasivity and Cleaning Efficacy of Novel/Alternative Toothpastes.

PURPOSE: To investigate dentin abrasivity and cleaning efficacy of novel/alternative toothpastes containing diamond particles, active carbon, sea salt or organic oils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two bovine dentin samples (for measuring abrasivity) and 60 human dentin samples (for assessing cleaning efficacy) were used in this study. Samples were divided into six groups as follows: group 1: Elmex Kariesschutz (hydrated silica); group 2: Lavera Neutral Zahngel (sea salt); group 3: Curaprox Black is White (active carbon); group 4: Swiss Smile Diamond Glow (diamond powder); group 5: Ringana Fresh Tooth Oil (hydrated silica); and group 6: artificial saliva. Samples were brushed for a total of 26 min at 120 strokes/min, replacing slurries (1 part respective toothpaste and 2 parts artificial saliva) every 2 min. Finally, abrasive dentin wear was measured profilometrically and cleaning efficacy planimetrically. RESULTS: The highest abrasivity values were observed for Lavera Neutral Zahngel (sea salt 9.2 µm) and Elmex Kariesschutz group (hydrated silica 6.0 µm). The lowest abrasivity value was observed for Ringana Fresh Tooth Oil group (hydrated silica 1.3 µm). The highest cleaning efficacy was observed for Elmex Kariesschutz group (86.7%) and the lowest cleaning efficacy was observed for Ringana Fresh Tooth Oil group (31.3%). CONCLUSION: The addition of diamond powder or active carbon to toothpastes could offer high cleaning efficacy with low dentin abrasivity. The addition of sea salt to traditional abrasives might cause high abrasive dentin wear without adding further cleaning benefit.

RDA and REA Values of Commercially Available Toothpastes Utilising Diamond Powder and Traditional Abrasives.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether toothpastes with diamond powder vs those with traditional abrasives abrade dentin and enamel differently and to determine the relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) and relative enamel abrasivity (REA) values of those toothpastes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin and enamel samples of bovine permanent incisors were randomly allocated into groups of eight, brushed with 20 different toothpastes (three of which contained diamond powder) and analysed for their RDA and REA values. RESULTS: Toothpastes with diamond powder exhibit low RDA values but high REA values. Some RDA values exceeded the ones declared by the manufacturer. CONCLUSION: Diamond powder as an abrasive might have a mild action on dentin, but it is highly abrasive on enamel.

Interplay between toothbrush stiffness and dentifrice abrasivity on the development of non-carious cervical lesions.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of toothbrush stiffness and dentifrice slurry abrasivity on the development and progression of simulated non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human maxillary premolars were allocated to 12 groups generated by the association between toothbrushes, soft, medium, and hard stiffness, and simulated dentifrice slurries, lower, medium, and higher; deionized water (DI) served as negative control. Teeth were mounted on acrylic blocks, and their root surfaces partially covered with acrylic resin to simulate gingiva, leaving a 2-mm area apical to the cemento-enamel junction exposed to toothbrushing. Specimens were brushed with the test slurries for 35,000 and 65,000 double strokes. Impressions taken at baseline and after both brushing periods were scanned by a 3D optical profilometer. Dentin volume loss (mm3) was calculated by image subtraction. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD tests. RESULTS: All toothbrushes caused higher volume loss when associated to higher abrasive slurry, compared to medium- and lower-abrasive slurries. Medium caused more volume loss than lower-abrasive slurry, which led to more volume loss than DI. Hard and medium toothbrushes were not different when used with medium- or higher-abrasive slurries. There were no differences among toothbrushes when used with DI and lower-abrasive slurry. Overall, 35,000 brushing strokes resulted in significantly less volume loss than 65,000. CONCLUSIONS: Toothbrush stiffness was an important factor on NCCL development, especially when brushing with medium- and higher-abrasive slurries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Medium and hard toothbrushes associated with medium- and high-abrasive toothpastes can yield more severe NCCLs.

3D-Image analysis of the impact of toothpaste abrasivity on the progression of simulated non-carious cervical lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of toothpaste abrasive level on the progression of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) using 3D-image subtraction. METHODS: Upper first premolars were allocated into seven groups (n = 16) of toothpaste/abrasive slurries: A-Zeodent113/5%, B-Zeodent124/10%, C-Zeodent103/15%, D-Sensodyne Pronamel, E-Crest Cavity-Protection, F-Crest Pro-Health-Whitening, and G-Deionized water (DIW). Teeth were mounted on acrylic blocks, and their root surfaces covered with acrylic resin, except for 2-mm near the cemento-enamel junction that was exposed to toothbrushing. Specimens were brushed with the slurries for 5000-, 15,000-, 35,000- and 65,000-strokes. Impressions were taken at baseline and after each brushing time, and then scanned by a 3D optical profilometer. Dentine volume loss was calculated by image subtraction software and subjected to mixed-model ANOVA and multiple comparison tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant differences among slurries were observed at 5000 and 15,000. At 35,000, F showed higher loss than all other groups except C, which did not differ from the others. At 65,000, F (4.19 ±â€¯3.29 mm3) showed the highest loss, followed by C (2.33 ±â€¯1.47 mm3), which differed from all the other groups except B (1.85 ±â€¯0.91 mm3). Groups B, A (1.35 ±â€¯0.65 mm3), D (1.17 ±â€¯0.48 mm3), E (1.40 ±â€¯0.68 mm3) and G (1.12 ±â€¯0.73 mm3) did not differ from each other. Groups F and C showed significant increase of volume loss starting at 35,000, while B, A, D and E only at 65,000; no increase loss was observed for G. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-image subtraction was able to quantify and differentiate tooth loss, but only at advanced stages. The progression of NCCLs was more evident and faster for highly abrasive slurries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Upon root dentin exposure, brushing with lower abrasive dentifrices is advisable to reduce the risk for NCCLs development.

A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the stain removal efficacy of a sodium phytate dentifrice formulation.

OBJECTIVES: Phytate is an organic, cyclic polyphosphate analogous to linear condensed polyphosphates used as stain removal agents. This study investigated stain removal efficacy of an experimental sodium phytate-containing dentifrice compared to a reference dentifrice. METHODS: An experimental, moderate abrasivity (relative dentine abrasivity [RDA] âˆ¼130) antisensitivity fluoride dentifrice containing sodium phytate (0.85% w/w as the hexasodium salt) (n = 111) was compared to a reference, marketed, low-abrasivity (RDA âˆ¼ 43), anti-sensitivity fluoride dentifrice (n = 113), both containing 1150 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride. Primary efficacy variables were between-treatment differences in extrinsic dental stain of anterior teeth after 6 and 12 weeks' twice-daily use, using Lobene stain index (MacPherson modification, MLSI) mean area (A) and intensity (I) scores. Comparisons included whole-tooth and hard-to-reach areas (gingival, interproximal, body of lingual). RESULTS: At both 6- and 12-week timepoints, MLSI (A × I) scores for total area and hard-to-reach areas for the experimental dentifrice were statistically significantly lower than baseline (P < .0001 for all). This was demonstrated for the reference dentifrice at 6 weeks only, for total, interproximal (P < .0001 for both), and body of lingual (P = .0395) scores. Compared with the reference, the experimental dentifrice had statistically significantly lower MLSI scores at both 6 and 12 weeks for all outcome variables including both total MLSI (A × I) and hard-to reach areas (P < .0001 in all cases). Products were generally well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between treatments were considered clinically differentiable. Sodium phytate may therefore be a suitable additive ingredient to improve tooth stain control performance within an otherwise conventional dentifrice formulation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Following 6 and 12 weeks brushing, clinically differentiable differences were shown in stain index scores with an experimental dentifrice containing sodium phytate compared to a reference dentifrice without sodium phytate. Sodium phytate may therefore be a suitable additive ingredient to improve tooth stain control performance within an otherwise conventional dentifrice formulation.

Randomized Controlled Trial to Explore the Effect of Experimental Low Abrasivity Dentifrices on Enamel Gloss and Smoothness, and the Build-up of Extrinsic Tooth Stain.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare examiner-assessed changes in enamel gloss, extrinsic dental stain, and surface smoothness following one, two, four, and eight weeks of twice-daily use of an experimental low abrasivity desensitizing dentifrice (relative dentin abrasivity [RDA] ~40) containing 5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) chemical cleaning agent and 1% aluminum trioxide abrasive. This was compared with an ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice (5% STP only; RDA ~13), a moderate abrasivity fluoride dentifrice (RDA ~80), and a higher abrasivity marketed whitening dentifrice (RDA ~142). METHODS: This was a single-center, examiner-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel group study in healthy adults stratified by gloss score and age. Following a washout period with a conventional silica abrasive dentifrice, subjects received a dental scale and polish and were randomized to treatment. Subjects brushed their teeth for two minutes, twice daily, with their assigned dentifrice. Enamel gloss was assessed visually by comparing the facial surfaces of the maxillary incisors to the Sturzenberger gloss standards. Extrinsic dental stain was measured on the 12 anterior teeth (facial and lingual) using the Macpherson modification of the Lobene Stain Index (MLSI). Tooth smoothness was assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of a silicone impression of the central incisors. RESULTS: Of 120 screened subjects, 95 were randomized to the study. Subjects using the low abrasivity aluminum trioxide/STP dentifrice demonstrated statistically significant (p < 0.05) and increasing improvements in surface gloss over baseline at all time points, with a significant treatment effect compared to all other study dentifrices from Week 2 (p < 0.05). With respect to dental stain, the low abrasivity dentifrice group had the lowest stain score at each post-treatment time point and demonstrated statistically significantly less stain compared to all study dentifrices at Weeks 2 (p < 0.05) and 8 (p < 0.01). For tooth smoothness, at Week 8, statistically significant increases in surface smoothness were observed for most treatment groups compared to baseline (p < 0.05), except for the moderate abrasivity dentifrice. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the benefit of a low abrasivity dentifrice containing STP and aluminum trioxide in reducing stain build-up and increasing tooth gloss compared to a non-alumina ultra-low abrasivity STP-containing dentifrice, and moderate and high abrasivity dentifrices, over an eight-week period.

A randomised clinical in situ study to evaluate the effects of novel low abrasivity anti-sensitivity dentifrices on dentine wear.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the abrasive wear on human dentine in an in situ model associated with use of an experimental low abrasivity anti-sensitivity dentifrice containing 1% alumina and 5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) with an experimental ultra-low abrasivity non-alumina 5% STP dentifrice, a higher abrasivity daily-use whitening dentifrice, and water as controls. METHODS: This was a single-centre, single-blind, randomised, split-mouth, four-treatment, two-period, crossover in situ study in 29 healthy subjects. Subjects wore bilateral lower buccal appliances, each fitted with four dentine specimens. Study treatments were applied ex vivo (three times daily). Dentine loss was measured by non-contact profilometry after 5, 10 and 15days' treatment. RESULTS: All 29 subjects were included in the efficacy analysis. Significantly less dentine loss was associated with brushing with the low and ultra-low abrasivity dentifrices than with the higher abrasivity dentifrice at all timepoints (p<0.01). Brushing with ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice or water resulted in statistically significantly less dentine loss compared with brushing with the low abrasivity dentifrice at all timepoints (p<0.05). Dentine loss after brushing with ultra-low abrasivity dentifrice was not significantly different from brushing with water. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of dentine loss observed in this in situ model reflected the abrasivity of the study dentifrices. Brushing with low or ultra-low abrasivity STP-containing anti-sensitivity dentifrices resulted in significantly less dentine loss (equating to dentine wear) than with a higher abrasivity daily-use whitening dentifrice.

Relationship between toothpastes properties and patient-reported discomfort: crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to correlate patient-reported reactions with in vitro analyses of the pH, abrasive quality, and cytotoxicity of four toothpastes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-one patients received non-identified samples of toothpaste to be used for 6 days and answered a questionnaire about their sensations. In vitro analysis: the pH of toothpastes was measured with a pH meter. The abrasivity of toothpastes was evaluated against composite resin specimens (n = 10). A toothbrushing machine was used to simulate wear, which was indirectly measured by mass loss using a scale. Cell culture media conditioned with toothpaste were used to assess the cytotoxicity. Confluent cells were kept in contact with the conditioned media or control for 24 h. The cell viability was measured using the 3-(bromide, 4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT)-reduction assay. The obtained data on the pH, weight loss, and cell viability were compared by ANOVA/Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: With the exception of the bleaching effect paste, the Oral B® paste produced the highest frequencies of irritation reports, tooth sensitivity, taste discomfort, and texture discomfort in the clinical study; patients also reported rougher teeth, soft tissue peeling, dry mouth, thrush, tingling, and taste changes in response to this paste. The in vitro analysis demonstrated that Oral B® had the lowest pH, the highest abrasivity, and produced the lowest cell viability (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that low pH toothpastes that are highly abrasive and cytotoxic may cause undesirable reactions in patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Toothpaste's properties should be well known for indication to patient therefore minimizing discomfort reports.

A Comparative Study of Laboratory Dentifrice Abrasion Measuring Methods.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, a profilometry-based method for measuring toothpaste dentin abrasivity has been proposed to be equivalent to the traditional radiotracer RDA (relative dentin abrasion) procedure. This review outlines the findings and comparative assessment of laboratory studies used to measure the abrasivity of commercially available whitening dentifrices on human dentin. Traditional radiotracer and profilometry RDA-PE (Profilometry Equivalent) methods were assessed, with the objective of determining how they compare, and also to learn if the two techniques yield RDA values that are consistent with each other, specifically in ranking and potential for discrimination of three commercially available silica-based products. Chosen were regular toothpaste and two whitening dentifrices having abrasive properties against dentin ranging from medium to high. METHODS: Dentin specimens underwent standard preparation, preconditioning, and abrasivity testing according to the ISO 11609 requirements for radiotracer method and RDA-PE. Three test dentifrices were used, each product containing various abrasive and polyphosphate agents, namely: Whitening Product A: Hydrated silica with disodium pyrophosphate (Crest® 3D Luxe); Product B: Hydrated silica (Crest® Cavity Protection); and Whitening Product C: Hydrated silica with tetrasodium pyrophosphate (Colgate® Ultrabrite Advanced Whitening). The products were chosen since they gave a range of RDA values from mid to high when compared with an ADA reference material that is given a value of 100. RESULTS: The data were subjected to statistical and SNK (Student-Newman-Keuls) analyses. Both procedures yielded numerical RDA values that permitted a ranking of the three test dentifrices. However, there was no direct correlation of the RDA values obtained by profilometry with those from the conventional radiotracer method. Significantly, one dentifrice rated as most abrasive using the radiotracer method was rated as moderately abrasive using profilometry. Additionally, there was loss of statistical significance and discrimination between products with RDA-PE. CONCLUSIONS: Given the lack of agreement between radiotracer and profilometry for the products tested in this study,it would appear that the RDA-PE method may not be equivalent to the traditional RDA radiotracer method, specifically in the higher abrasivity range.

Comparative evaluation of enamel abrasivity by toothbrush and velcro: An in vitro scanning electron microscope study.

CONTEXT: Plaque control has been shown to be pivotal in maintaining the optimal periodontal health. Mechanical plaque control is the most popular option for establishing the optimal oral health. Toothbrushes have been the novel tool for mechanical cleansing. However, the abrasive potential of the toothbrushes on the enamel surface is an area in gray. AIMS: The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the abrasivity of the toothbrush versus the velcro fasteners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mounted teeth of both the groups were subjected to abrasion test, and the tooth surfaces were observed for the possible abrasions from the oscillating strokes (toothbrush) and frictional contacts (hook and loop velcro) and examined under the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Comparative assessment of both velcro (hook and loop) and toothbrush bristles did not reveal any evidence of abrasion on the tooth specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Veclro fasteners are safe and qualitatively at par to the manual toothbrush for their efficacy and efficiency in teeth cleansing.