In vitro cariostatic effect of whitening toothpastes in human dental enamel - Microhardness evaluation

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the cariostatic effect of whitening toothpastes. Methods and Materials: Ninety-five dental fragments were obtained from nonerupted third molars. The fragments were embedded in polystyrene resin and sequentially polished with abrasive papers (400-, 600-, and 1,000-grit) and diamond pastes of 6, 3, and 1 µm. The fragments were assigned in five groups according to toothpaste treatment: G1 = Rembrandt Plus with Peroxide; G2 = Crest Dual Action Whitening; G3 = Aquafresh Whitening Triple Protection; and the control groups: G4 = Sensodyne Original (without fluoride); G5 = Sensodyne Sodium Bicarbonated (with fluoride). The initial enamel microhardness evaluations were done. For 2 weeks the fragments were submitted daily to a de-remineralization cycle followed by a 10-minute toothpaste slurry. After that, the final microhardness tests were done. The percentage of mineral loss of enamel was determined for statistical analysis. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were applied. Results: The results did not show statistically significant differences in mineral loss among groups G1, G2, G3, and G5, which statistically differ from G4 (toothpaste without fluoride). G4 showed the highest mineral loss (P = .05). Conclusion: The whitening toothpastes evaluated showed a cariostatic effect similar to regular, nonwhitening toothpaste. Keywords: caries, dental bleaching, enamel, hydrogen peroxide, microhardness, mineral loss, whitening toothpastes