IADR Abstract Archives
Abrasion and cleaning performance of natural cellulose particles as substitutes for microplastics and silica in toothpastes.
Objectives: For several decades microplastics, such as polyethylene (PE), have been used in toothpastes to support abrasive and cleaning properties, aiding stabilization and as visual effect. Because microplastics from personal care products provide a significant global environmental pollution, their use has been prohibited in the USA, UK and New Zealand. More countries are expected to follow. Alternatives are required to be biodegradable, non-toxic, sustainable, being integrable into respective formulations and fulfil sufficient abrasive and cleaning efficacy.
Methods: 14% natural beech wood cellulose particles of specific size and shape have been used in comparison to silica and PE in toothpaste formulations to assess their potential in relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) and cleaning performance.
To determine the RDA, dentin specimens were generated from retained human molars, embedded and grinded to even surfaces. For each formulation 25g was diluted with 40mL deionized water, refreshed every 30min during brushing procedure at following parameters: contact weight 150g, 1,000 cycles = 48 cycles min-1, 1 cm brushing stroke, using a medium hard toothbrush. Dentin loss was determined by profilometry.
To assess the cleaning performance human enamel was prepared like dentin specimens, slightly acid etched for 1min, exposed to human saliva for 8hrs and discoloured by means of Chlorhexidine-based mouthrinse and black tea. Product slurry and brushing performance was analogous to RDA experiments. Photos and colorimetric measurements were collected prior and after brushing.
Results: Cellulose particles show a well integrity into and stabilization of toothpaste formulations. They exhibit a low abrasivity (RDA = 8 versus 4 for PE containing TP). The cleaning performance of 84%±6%% is similar to PE-based formulations (79%±16%).
Natural cellulose particles can thus be considered as biodegradable, non-toxic, sustainable substitutes for microplastics in toothpastes. They provide high potentials in innovative product developments.
The study was sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research 031B0041A-C.
Conclusions: Natural cellulose particles can thus be considered as biodegradable, non-toxic, sustainable substitutes for microplastics in toothpastes. They provide high potentials in innovative product developments.
Methods: 14% natural beech wood cellulose particles of specific size and shape have been used in comparison to silica and PE in toothpaste formulations to assess their potential in relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) and cleaning performance.
To determine the RDA, dentin specimens were generated from retained human molars, embedded and grinded to even surfaces. For each formulation 25g was diluted with 40mL deionized water, refreshed every 30min during brushing procedure at following parameters: contact weight 150g, 1,000 cycles = 48 cycles min-1, 1 cm brushing stroke, using a medium hard toothbrush. Dentin loss was determined by profilometry.
To assess the cleaning performance human enamel was prepared like dentin specimens, slightly acid etched for 1min, exposed to human saliva for 8hrs and discoloured by means of Chlorhexidine-based mouthrinse and black tea. Product slurry and brushing performance was analogous to RDA experiments. Photos and colorimetric measurements were collected prior and after brushing.
Results: Cellulose particles show a well integrity into and stabilization of toothpaste formulations. They exhibit a low abrasivity (RDA = 8 versus 4 for PE containing TP). The cleaning performance of 84%±6%% is similar to PE-based formulations (79%±16%).
Natural cellulose particles can thus be considered as biodegradable, non-toxic, sustainable substitutes for microplastics in toothpastes. They provide high potentials in innovative product developments.
The study was sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research 031B0041A-C.
Conclusions: Natural cellulose particles can thus be considered as biodegradable, non-toxic, sustainable substitutes for microplastics in toothpastes. They provide high potentials in innovative product developments.