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The effects of dentifrices on the appearance of the tooth surface observed with the scanning electron microscope
Author(s) -
Saxton C. A.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
journal of periodontal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.31
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1600-0765
pISSN - 0022-3484
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0765.1976.tb00054.x
Subject(s) - dentifrice , scanning electron microscope , abrasive , materials science , toothpaste , stain , composite material , polyethylene , dentistry , chemistry , staining , medicine , fluoride , inorganic chemistry , pathology
The changes which occur on the surfaces of teeth during the use of different types of toothpaste have been studied by the use of replicas and scanning electron microscopy. Two studies were conducted in which non‐abrasive pastes were compared with conventional dentifrices. The conventional dentifrices contained dicalcium phosphate dihydrate or aluminium trihydrate as the abrasives, while the non‐abrasive dentifrices contained acrylic spheres or particles of polyethylene. From the morphological appearance of the surface, it was demonstrated that the pellicle was present within 24 hours of cleaning with pumice and that its thickness increased with time. Relatively thicker pellicles were formed during the use of the non‐abrasive paste. This observation was confirmed by measurement of grooves made in the pellicle, which showed that the pellicle thickness could be as much as 10 μm during the use of the non‐abrasive paste. Comparison of colour photographs with replicas of the same teeth revealed that areas of cosmetic stain were correlated with a characteristic morphology of the pellicle as observed in the scanning electron microscope. Preliminary micro‐probe analysis revealed that heavily‐stained pellicles were highly mineralised. It is concluded that an abrasive is necessary to control the thickness of pellicle and to prevent the build up of cosmetic stain. During the maturation of undisturbed pellicle, changes in its physical properties occur which render its removal more difficult.