[Removability of tooth deposits by cleaning with toothbrushes and toothpaste]

The abrasion strength of the exogenous pellicle (EP) was investigated in in vitro experiments on extracted human teeth. The aim of the study was to elucidate the effect of daily brushing on the EP. EP-coated tooth specimens were cleansed under in vivo-like conditions. Five toothpastes with different degrees of abrasiveness were variously diluted with artificial saliva. The evaluation was done on the transmission electron microscope. The individual toothpastes differed significantly with respect to their abrasive effect on EP, which extended from only a slight effect on EP, which extended from only a slight effect to extensive removal of the pellicle. EP abrasion was considerably reduced by increasing dilution of the pastes with artificial saliva. No changes of the EP could be observed after brushing with only the toothbrush and saliva.