Characterization of Dentifrices Containing Desensitizing Agents, Triclosan or Whitening Agents: EDX and SEM Analysis

Abstract

Dentifrices with different compositions are available on the market, but there is limited information about their properties. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of 12 dentifrices divided into three categories, as containing desensitizing agents, Triclosan or whitening agents. Desiccation loss/residue analysis: 5 g of dentifrice was weighed five times for each group. pH analysis: 5 g of dentifrice were diluted in three parts of distilled water and analyzed using a digital potentiometer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): analysis of ashes, shape and size of the particles. Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX): identification of the abrasive elements. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test (α=0.05). Desiccation loss: 38.21% to 65.83%. Dentifrices containing Triclosan and desensitizing agents showed statistically significant differences among them (p<0.05). Whitening dentifrices showed statistically significant differences between Close-Up Whitening and Sensodyne Branqueador (44.72%, 65.83%, respectively). Most dentifrices presented neutral or basic pH. Different shape and size particles were observed in the SEM analysis. Abrasive elements were identified in the EDX. These results demonstrate that the evaluated dentifrices had different properties and their composition influences directly their characteristics, thus resulting in a more or less abrasive action on tooth surface. Knowing the characteristics of the dentifrices is important to indicate the ideal product for each case.

Potential application of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 lipopeptides in toothpaste formulation

“…Dentifrices are considered as a cosmetic product that have been used for many years and proven to be an important tool for improving both oral health and esthetics [1]. They are daily used products worldwide, but only little information is available about them [7], that is why it will be important to evaluate and study their properties.…”

“…Basically, toothpastes perform three main functions; they remove stain on tooth through abrasion [7], [9], clean oral cavity through detergents and act as a carrier for releasing therapeutic compounds [9]. It is important to point out that increasing the dentifrice abrasiveness leads to improve the stain removal efficacy, contrariwise, it increases the tooth wear and may harm tissues and dental restoration [5], [7].…”

“…It is important to point out that increasing the dentifrice abrasiveness leads to improve the stain removal efficacy, contrariwise, it increases the tooth wear and may harm tissues and dental restoration [5], [7]. As described by Das et al [9], damage can be even more pronounced in the dentin.…”

“…The most common harms are cervical abrasion and gingival recession, which are generally combined with dentin hypersensitivity [33]. Hence, to assure their effectiveness, dentifrices must be sufficiently abrasive and the ideal one must supply maximum cleaning with minimum wear [6], [7]. It was reported that higher values of solid residues were a sign of distortion in roughness, therefore, they may define the toothpaste potential to modify the surface enamel [34].…”

“…These include abrasives presenting an important role in removing the pigmentation and the dental plaque from the enamel surface [1], [4], [6], [7]. Other kind of ingredients are incorporated in toothpastes, such as antimicrobial agents which reduce, control and prevent the accumulation of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic microorganisms [8].…”