Comparative Profilometric Evaluation of Chewable Toothpaste Tablets and Conventional Toothpaste: An In vitro Study

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the surface roughness and pH of chewable toothpaste tablet with conventional toothpaste. Materials and Methods: Twenty freshly extracted teeth specimens (10/group) were brushed using chewable toothpaste tablet and conventional toothpaste on the buccal surfaces. The specimens were brushed twice a day; 2 min per time in the morning and evening routinely for 15 days. The surface roughness ( R a value) was measured using a Profilometer. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-ranked test and Mann–Whitney U -test at a significance level of 5%. Results: The present study revealed that the R a values before and after brushing with toothpaste tablet and conventional toothpaste groups were not significantly different ( P = 0.145 and 0.107, respectively). The mean enamel surface roughness after brushing with toothpaste tablet was 0.458 μm while conventional toothpaste was 0.245 μm. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between toothpaste tablet and conventional toothpaste. However, toothpaste tablets are sustainable oral care solution because of their plastic-free concept and ability to deliver the same health benefits as toothpaste cream.