Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

04:40
Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth
Published on: March 27, 2026
Toothpaste detergents: a potential source of oral soft tissue damage?
1Division of Restorative Dentistry, Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, UK. c.p.moore@bristol.ac.uk
International Journal of Dental Hygiene
|September 5, 2008
Summary
Toothpaste detergents can harm oral cells, with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and others reducing cell viability. Pluronic, however, may stimulate cells, warranting further investigation into its effects on oral tissues.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Cellular toxicology
Background:
- Toothpastes contain detergents that aid cleaning.
- These detergents may potentially damage oral soft tissues at a cellular level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of common toothpaste detergents on oral mucosal cells.
Main Methods:
- TERT-1 keratinocytes were exposed to varying concentrations of Adinol, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Tego Betain, and Pluronic.
- Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay after 24 hours of incubation.
Main Results:
- Adinol, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, and Tego Betain significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner.
- Pluronic demonstrated a stimulatory effect on cell viability compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Certain toothpaste detergents may pose a risk of soft tissue damage to the oral mucosa.
- The stimulatory effect of Pluronic suggests a potential oxidative stress response requiring further research.
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Biodeterioration
Biodeterioration refers to the unwanted alteration of materials caused by microorganisms—especially fungi—which damage both organic substrates (paper, wood, textiles) and inorganic ones (stone, plaster, glass). Unlike abiotic decay, biodeterioration results from biological activity that produces physical disruption and chemical degradation.Physical deterioration occurs as fungal hyphae penetrate pores, cracks, and surface irregularities. Hyphal turgor pressure, thigmotropic growth along...
Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
