Alterations to Titanium Surface Depending on the Fluorides and Abrasives in Toothpaste

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Titanium is widely used for dental implants and prostheses due to its biocompatibility and strength.
• Toothpastes contain fluoride and abrasives that may interact with and degrade titanium surfaces over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of fluoride and abrasive content in toothpastes on the surface texture of pure titanium.
• To determine how different toothpaste formulations influence titanium's surface roughness, color, and gloss.

Main Methods:

• Pure titanium discs were subjected to brushing with various toothpastes using an abrasive testing machine.
• Surface roughness, color, and gloss were measured and compared to control samples (unbrushed titanium).
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze titanium surface topography and abrasive particle morphology.

Main Results:

• Toothpastes with abrasives significantly altered titanium surface roughness, color, and gloss compared to ultrapure water.
• Toothpaste containing both fluoride and numerous polygonal abrasive particles caused the most significant color changes, scratches, and black spots indicative of contamination or corrosion.
• Toothpaste without fluoride or abrasives resulted in minimal changes to the titanium surface.

Conclusions:

• Both fluoride and abrasives in toothpaste can negatively affect the surface texture and potentially the corrosion resistance of titanium.
• Formulations of toothpaste lacking fluoride and abrasives appear to be less detrimental to titanium dental implants and prostheses.