Evaluation of enamel wear after the use of whitening toothpastes

The aim of this study was to evaluate by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the wear of tooth enamel after using different toothpastes for whitening. Specimens of bovine teeth, divided into 5 groups (n = 10) according to the toothpaste were made: G1 / Oral-B 3D White; G2 / Colgate Total 12 Whitening Gel; G3 / Colgate Luminous White; G4 / White Closeup Now; G5 (control) / distilled water. The OCT images were taken before brushing cycling, with a system operating in the spectral domain, with a center wavelength of 930 nm. The simulated toothbrushing (5000 cycles) was performed with linear movements, under static axial load of 200 g and speed of 4.5 cycles per second, understanding how to cycle the full movement back-and-forth of the toothbrush. New OCT analysis was then performed, and the images were compared for surface changes. Through qualitative analysis of the images, there was wear on the enamel surface and all groups, but the G5 worn with smaller specimens equivalent to 22.2%. G2 specimens showed the most wear surface with about 90%. All evaluated toothpastes showed potential for abrasive wear, but the G2 group showed a higher percentage of worn specimens. The use of whitening toothpaste can cause significant enamel wear, which varies according to the formulation. Therefore, the dentist should guide product selection to balance aesthetics and preservation of tooth structure.