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Abrasive properties of commonly used dentifrices
The Bulletin of Tokyo Medical and Dental University
|September 1, 1979
Summary
Toothpastes cause abrasion on acrylic resin and human teeth, with toothbrush hardness having no observed effect. Abrasiveness varied among toothpastes, correlating with acrylic resin weight loss and surface changes.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Tribology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Dental materials like acrylic resin are susceptible to wear from daily oral hygiene practices.
- Understanding the abrasive potential of toothpastes and toothbrushes is crucial for material longevity and oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the abrasive effects of different dentifrices on acrylic resin and human tooth enamel.
- To investigate the role of toothbrush filament hardness in dental abrasion.
- To establish correlations between material degradation metrics.
Main Methods:
- Acrylic resin and extracted human tooth specimens were subjected to 3,000 brushing cycles using a toothbrushing machine.
- Surface analysis was performed using a surface analyzer and scanning electron microscopy.
- Weight loss of acrylic resin specimens was measured using a microbalance.
Main Results:
- Dentifrices exhibited a wide range of abrasiveness, with most causing significant wear on both acrylic resin and human teeth.
- No abrasiveness was attributed to the toothbrush filaments themselves.
- A strong correlation (r = 0.96) was found between weight loss and surface irregularities in acrylic resin.
Conclusions:
- Most toothpastes possess abrasive properties that affect dental materials and tooth structure.
- Toothbrush filament hardness does not appear to be a significant factor in abrasion.
- Material degradation can be quantified through weight loss and surface irregularity analysis.