Abrasive Action of Different Herbal Toothpastes

Abstract

Background: The abrasive action of herbal-based toothpastes is important to evaluate in order to prevent the risk of damaging the tooth surface and to prevent the injudicious use of such toothpastes by educating the patients. Objectives: The present study was performed to evaluate the abrasive action of four herbal-based toothpastes by measuring change in surface roughness of tooth enamel using profilometer and to compare it with conventional toothpaste. Materials and Methods: Thirty freshly extracted human anterior teeth were taken, and enamel samples of approximately 5 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm were obtained using diamond discs. These were mounted on acrylic blocks. The specimens were then distributed into five groups (n = 6) according to the toothpaste used: Patanjali Dantkanti, Vicco Vajradanti, Dabur Red, Meswak, and Colgate Total (control). The mounted specimens were brushed using respective toothpastes in each group. Profilometric readings were recorded before and after the toothbrushing, and the differences in readings were used to assess the change in surface roughness. Results: The least change in surface roughness was showed by Vicco toothpaste (0.15 ± 0.08), followed by Dantkanti (0.17 ± 0.13), Colgate Total (0.22 ± 0.08), Meswak (0.54 ± 0.22), and Dabur Red (0.81 ± 0.40). The mean change in surface roughness in Dantkanti, Vicco, and Colgate Total was found to be significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to Dabur Red and Meswak. Conclusions: It can be concluded that based on abrasivity, Vicco and Dantkanti toothpastes are better choices as compared to Dabur Red and Meswak.