Tooth Surface Restoration by a Bicarbonate-Dentifrice Containing Calcium and Phosphate

Objective: This clinical research evaluated the effectiveness in restoration of tooth surface smoothness and gloss provided by a fluoride-dentifrice containing calcium, phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate (test) relative to a commercially available fluoride/silica-containing dentifrice (control). Methods: Balancing for baseline tooth surface roughness and gloss, 113 healthy adults who met the inclusion criterion for frequent daily acidic drink consumption, were randomized to the test or control (Crest® Cavity Protection Regular) product. Subjects brushed their teeth using the assigned dentifrice and a soft-bristled adult toothbrush for 1 minute twice daily for 3 months. Subjective and objective evaluations of tooth surface roughness and gloss were made at baseline and after 1 month and 3 months of brushing. For the subjective evaluation, an experienced examiner evaluated the anterior teeth (6-11) using a six-point scale for gloss and a four-point scale for surface roughness. For the objective evaluation, dental impressions of the anterior teeth (7-10) were made and surface roughness was measured using profilometry. Results: Within-treatment comparisons showed longitudinal improvement by the test dentifrice in tooth surface roughness and gloss at the 1-month and 3-month examinations. After 3 months of use, the test dentifrice exhibited a highly significant improvement (p < 0.0001) in gloss (23.4%) and surface roughness (13.3% subjectively, 13.7% objectively) over the baseline. The control dentifrice showed no significant improvement longitudinally (p > 0.05) in gloss (1.1%) or surface roughness (1.8% subjectively, -6.7% objectively). Between-group comparisons (after adjusting for baseline) demonstrated a highly significant (p < 0.0001) greater improvement in tooth surface roughness and gloss for the test dentifrice relative to the control dentifrice. Conclusion: The dual-phase sodium bicarbonate-dentifrice containing calcium and phosphate is efficacious for restoring tooth surface smoothness and gloss. (Supported by Church&Dwight Co., Inc.)