Abrasion of Eroded Enamel by Fluoride and Non fluoride Toothpaste

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride in toothpaste on brushing abrasion of eroded enamel. Methods: Thirty enamel specimens were prepared from bovine incisor and were embedded in acrylic resin with buccal surface of each exposed. The buccal surfaces were ground flat exposing an area of 6mm×10mm and two amalgam fillings were placed into enamel and polished. All specimens were divided into six groups of 5 specimens each, groups A~F. Then they were subjected to 35 cyclic treatments consisting of demineralization in Coca-cola for five minutes, remineralization in fresh artificial saliva for thirty minutes, brushing abrasion, and remineralization again in artificial saliva for thirty minutes. Fluoride toothpaste (Crest®, P&G Co.) was used in brushing specimens of groups A, B and C, non-fluoride toothpaste (provided by P&G Co.) in groups D, E and F. Groups A and D were brushed at a load of 50g, with groups B and E 150g, groups C and F 250g. Before and after treatments, the surface between two amalgam fillings of each specimen was profiled with a surface profilometer. The average depth of the abraded part of the specimens between two amalgam fillings compared with respective amalgam reference surfaces was finally calculated. Results: Abrasion depths of teeth brushed with fluoride toothpaste were 18.45±1.23um at load of 50g, 24.51±2.48um of 150g, 31.79±1.37um of 250g, that with non-fluoride toothpaste were 26.28±2.03, 33.85±2.12, 37.75±1.89, respectively. Conclusion: Use of fluoride toothpaste during the abrasive component of the same erosion/abrasion tooth wear model substantially reduced enamel loss.