Effect of regenerating toothpastes on abrasion of eroded enamel and dentin

Background

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of self-declared enamel regenerating toothpastes on advanced erosive tooth lesions.

Methods

A total of 48 bovine crown and root samples were allocated into the toothpastes: Elmex Erosion Protection (GABA International AG, 1,400 ppm F; pH, 4.69) (positive control); Dentalclean Regenerator Sensitive (Dentalclean, 1,450 ppm F; pH, 4.97); Sensodyne Repair & Protect (GlaxoSmithKline) (1,426 ppm F; pH, 9.78) and erosion only (no abrasion) (negative control) (n = 12). All samples were subjected to erosive pH cycles (4× 90 seconds/day in 0.1% citric acid, pH 2.5). Groups 1 through 3 underwent abrasive challenges (2× 15 seconds/day abrasion + 45-second treatment) using toothpaste slurries and a brushing machine over 7 days. Between erosive and abrasive challenges, samples were immersed in artificial saliva. Wear was quantified using contact profilometry (in micrometers) to compare the initial and final profiles. Data were statistically compared using analysis of variance and Tukey test (P < .05).

Results

Brushing with Dentalclean (3.67 [0.47] μm) induced the greatest enamel wear (SD), followed by Sensodyne (2.99 [0.56] μm). Both were significantly different (SD) from Elmex (1.85 [0.38] μm) (P < .0001), which did not differ from erosion only (1.98 [0.57] μm). For dentin, brushing with Dentalclean (2.95 [0.60] μm) induced the greatest wear (SD), which was similar to that induced by erosion alone (2.87 [0.55] μm). In contrast, Elmex presented the lowest wear (SD) (1.26 [0.35] μm), similarly to Sensodyne (1.27 [0.58] μm).

Conclusions

Self-declared enamel regenerating toothpastes potentiate advanced erosive lesions. However, for dentin, Sensodyne toothpaste showed a similar result to the positive control.