Evaluation of the Enamel Wear After 6-Months Simulated Brushing With Charcoal Dentifrice

Objectives: Charcoal toothpastes are being marketed as a natural product. However, there is inconsistent data regarding their abrasive potential and its effect over the tooth structure. The present study aimed to investigate the wear potential of charcoal toothpastes on the enamel surface.
Methods: Sixty maxillary and mandibular molars were embedded in epoxy resin (Epoxicure 2, Buehler). A 4x4x2mm preparation on the facial surface was performed and later restored with resin composite (Adhese Universal, Ivoclar; Tetric Evo-Ceram, Ivoclar). The enamel surfaces adjacent to the preparations were scanned with a laser microscope (VK-250, Keyence) at 20X with roughness values (Ra) recorded. Samples were divided in three groups (n=20) according to the toothpaste; control group with no toothpaste slurry (CG); charcoal toothpaste group (CT) (Hello Charcoal, Hello Products); regular toothpaste group (RT) (Crest Pro-Health, Procter & Gamble). Specimens were placed in a custom toothbrush simulator (MEV4T 10XY, Odeme) with a soft toothbrush (Indicator, Oral-B) applying 200 g-force to the specimen surface. Simulated toothbrushing was accomplished at 120 cycles per minute for a total of 5000 cycles, equivalent to six months of normal toothbrush use. Dentifrice slurry was prepared with deionized water (1-1). At the end of cyclic testing, the specimens were rinsed, dried, and scanned. Normality and variance were evaluated using Shapiro-Wilk and Bartlett’s tests respectively. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc analysis compared data between groups. Paired T-test was used for baseline and after toothbrush simulation comparison within each group. All analysis were accomplished at a 95% level of confidence.
Results: No intergroup statistically significant differences were observed (baseline p=0.18; after toothbrushing simulation p=0.22). In addition, no significant difference was identified when intragroup comparisons were evaluated (CG (p=0.48); CT (p=0.19); RT (p=0.06)).
Conclusions: It could be concluded that the charcoal toothpaste did not increase the enamel wear.