The surface effect of dentifrices

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically three commercially availab le dentifrices and to determine any surface effects on tooth or gingival su rfaces. Sixty-four participants were included in this study and were alloca ted randomly to one of four treatment groups by an independent person to en sure the investigators were unaware of the brushing material used. All toot hbrushes and dentifrices were distributed by this independent person. The t reatment groups were: Group 1 - brush with water; Group 2 - brush with Colg ate (Baking Soda and Peroxide); Group 3 - brush with Macleans (Whitening); Group 4 - brush with Colgate (Sensation Whitening). All participants were requested to brush both morning and evening in their customary fashion using only the designated toothpaste, or water, for four weeks. All participants were required to use the same toothbrush type. No o ther oral hygiene products such as mouth rinses or dental floss were used d uring the trial period. Prior to commencement of the brushing period, all p articipants received a full clinical examination recording the status of th e soft and hard tissues including a gingival index (Loe and Silness) to rec ord gingival condition. A polyvinyl siloxane impression was taken of the si x anterior teeth and gingival tissues at the commencement of the trial. Aft er four weeks, a second full clinical examination was made and further sili cone impressions were taken of the anterior teeth. All impressions were cas t in epoxy resin for investigation with light and electron microscopy. Part icipants were also asked to answer a questionnaire relating to the toothpas te used. The results of this study indicated that no significant clinical d ifferences were recorded for any dentifrice or water and there was no signi ficant difference in gingival index scores over the four week period. Patie nt responses to each dentifrice varied according to individual patient pref erences and expectations and no consistent findings could be determined. Li ght and electron microscopy indicated that tooth and gingival surface chang es that occurred over the four week period with any of the dentifrices were similar to, and not significantly different from, changes seen with the us e of water atone, These results indicate that none of the dentifrices teste d was harmful to teeth or soft tissues.