Estimating the pH of Commercially Available Dentifrices and Evaluating its Effect on Salivary pH After Brushing

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to estimate the pH of commercially available dentifrices and evaluating its effect on salivary pH after brushing Material and Methods: 60 study subjects were selected and were divided into 12 groups (each group comprises of 5 subjects). The salivary pH was directly estimated using the digital pH meter calibrated using buffers of pH 4, 7 and 9. Paired t test was used to compare the changes in the mean salivary pH after brushing in each group. One way ANOVA and Tukey's test was used to compare the changes in mean salivary pH after brushing between different groups.Results: pH of different types of commercially available dentifrices which were used in the study was found to be 8. 4, 7.9, 7.9, 6.7, 7.2, 8.3, 8.4, 7.1, 6.5, 5.6, 8.2 and 6.5 respectively. Difference in mean salivary pH after brushing was found to be statistically significant for Colgate, Neem active group, Vicco, Triguard, Colgate active salt, Dabur meswak, Dabur babool, Close-up active gel, RA Thermoseal, Dabur lal dant manjan, Colgate powder groups. Mean salivary pH (before and after brushing) between study groups showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusion:The pH of saliva increases after brushing in each commercially available dentifrice group.