Cervical wear pathobiology by robot-simulated 3-year toothbrushing - New methodological approach

Area of Science:

• Dental research
• Biomaterials science
• Oral health

Background:

• Toothbrushing is essential for oral hygiene but can cause wear.
• Understanding cervical tooth wear is crucial for long-term dental health.
• Simulating long-term toothbrushing effects ex-vivo provides valuable insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate three years of random toothbrushing using a robot.
• To evaluate macro- and microwear patterns on different tooth types and ages.
• To document wear-related morphological changes at the cementoenamel junction.

Main Methods:

• Extracted human teeth underwent simulated three-year toothbrushing in an artificial oral cavity.
• Brushing involved horizontal, rotating, and vertical movements with low-abrasive toothpaste.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and 3D-SEM analyzed morphological features before and after brushing.

Main Results:

• Three-year toothbrushing resulted in enamel, cementum, and dentin loss.
• Wear patterns included four enamel, one dentin, and three cervical types.
• Positive effects included calculus removal and correction of iatrogenic damage; wear volume ranged from 34.25nl to 87.75nl.

Conclusions:

• Robot-simulated toothbrushing elucidated complex cervical wear micromorphology.
• Distinct patterns like 'overhanging enamel peninsulas' were observed on older teeth.
• Findings highlight both detrimental and beneficial oral health impacts of simulated toothbrushing.