EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TOOTHPASTES ON THE SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF ANTERIOR RESTORATIVE MATERIALS

Abstract Background: Tooth brushing is the most common oral hygiene practice for preventing caries lesions. Using whitening toothpastes is one of the preferred, easy-to-apply, and economical methods for achieving whiter teeth. Abrasives in whitening toothpastes help remove stains from tooth surfaces. Aim or Purpose: This in vitro study was carried to evaluate the solubility of the anterior restorative materials specimens (conventional glass ionomer, resin modified GI, nanohybrid composite and nano composite) when using electric toothbrush with two types of toothpaste. (Abrasive and nonabrasive). Materials and Methods: A total of 120 cylindrical specimens of anterior restorative materials were prepared. The specimens were divided into four main groups (30 each) based on the type of restoration: nanohybrid composite, nanocomposite, conventional glass ionomer, and resin-modified glass ionomer. Each main group was further divided into two subgroups (15 each), with one subgroup using an electric toothbrush with abrasive toothpaste and the other using non-abrasive toothpaste. The electric toothbrush was used for 2-5 minutes. Each group was also subdivided according to storage time (1, 7, and 14 days). Weight changes were measured using a digital balance before and after brushing. All data were analyzed using the t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p<0.05). Results: The electric toothbrush significantly decreased the weight of all specimens after simulated brushing (p<0.05). The highest weight loss was observed in the conventional glass ionomer specimens when brushed with both abrasive and non-abrasive toothpaste. In contrast, the lowest weight loss was recorded for the nanohybrid composite when brushed with non-abrasive toothpaste. Conclusion and recommendations: This study found that all tested anterior restorative materials experienced weight loss from brushing, with abrasive toothpaste causing the most degradation. Over time, weight loss increased, indicating a cumulative impact on material integrity. Conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) was the most susceptible to wear, while the nanohybrid composite showed the least weight loss, especially with non-abrasive toothpaste. These results emphasize the need for careful material selection in restorative dentistry and highlight the importance of educating patients about toothpaste abrasivity. Dental professionals should recommend non-abrasive toothpaste, particularly for patients with GIC restorations, to reduce surface degradation and improve the longevity of dental materials.