Dentifrice abrasivity. The use of laser light and supplemental techniques for characterizing toothpastes containing...

The abrasivity characteristics of six commercially available toothpastes containing different abrasives were investigated by using laser light reflexion and radiotracer methods. Surface profile and laser diffusometer measurements were also included in the study. Significant and, in some cases, substantial variations of abrasivity were observed. A certain correlation between the results of the different methods was found and used for purposes of ranking the toothpastes. The investigation indicated a necessity to use a combination of quantitative and surface descriptive methods in order that a complete picture of the abrasive properties of a dentifrice might be obtained. The importance of including other than biological materials in the test was also emphasized.