Relative abrasive potential of silica-based conventional and tablet dentifrices on enamel and dentin

Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to investigate the toothbrushing wear on both enamel and dentin surfaces of reference and commercially available dentifrices. Methods: Bovine enamel and dentin blocks were initially polished and embedded within a resin composite in square shapes (10×8×6 mm3). Employing toothbrushes equipped with nylon bristles, a toothbrushing machine was utilized, subjecting dentin specimens (n = 36) to 500 brush cycles and enamel samples to 5000 brush cycles (n = 36). Before and after the brushing simulation (2.45-N, 180 strokes per minute), an advanced contact profilometer was employed to measure the abraded depth. The wear rates were analyzed by using One-way ANOVA with two-sided Dunnett’s multiple comparisons with a control (water). Results: Significant variations were observed among the tested toothpaste formulations, particularly in dentin wear, where Sident and Prodent showed notably higher values (7.30 μm and 9.67 μm, respectively) compared to the water control group (0.79 μm). Prodent also induced the highest enamel wear (2.64 μm) among the toothpaste formulations, while water, Zendium, and Denttabs exhibited comparatively lower enamel wear values. Statistical analysis using One-way ANOVA with two-sided Dunnett’s multiple comparisons against the control (water) confirmed these differences. Significance: Toothbrushing with water causes minimal wear on enamel and dentin tissues, suggesting the predominant effect of three-body wear when using an abrasive medium. Comparing the standard references for dentifrice abrasives, Sident and Sylodent exhibit similar wear rates, making them reliable choices for in-vitro tests. When employed in a similar frequency, the wear rate of commercial toothpaste depends more on its composition than its form (paste or tablets).