Background
This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of baking soda and electric toothbrushing on the removal of artificial extrinsic stain
in vitro
.
Material and Methods
Flat enamel surfaces of 15 bovine incisors were artificially stained with 10% citric acid / 3% ferric chloride solution followed by 1% tannic acid solution. These specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5) – Group S+B: brushing with an electric toothbrush and baking soda, Group S+C: brushing with an electric toothbrush and fluoride dentifrice, Group S: brushing only with an electric toothbrush. Color values (L*, a*, and b*) and surface roughness were measured before and after brushing (after 1, 2, 3, and 5 min). The data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honest significant difference test as a post hoc test (
p
< 0.05).
Results
The L* value of Group S+B increased over time, and was significantly different between before brushing and at 5 min (
p
< 0.05). A significant difference in the ΔE* value of Group S+B was found at 5 min (
p
< 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the ΔE* values of Group S+C and Group S. No significant differences in Ra were found in any of the groups.
Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that the combined use of baking soda and electric toothbrushing has an excellent stain-removing effect compared with electric toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice. Additionally, the changes in surface roughness were similar to the changes caused by the use of general dentifrices.
Key words:
Baking soda, dentifrice, extrinsic stain removal, color change, surface roughness.