Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the enamel surface abrasion using four different dentifrices and a customized automated brushing machine under a profilometer.
Materials and methods: A total of 30 enamel blocks (9 mm × 9 mm × 2 mm) were prepared from freshly extracted maxillary central incisors which were randomly divided into five equal groups (Group 1: specimens brushed with Colgate Total, Group 2: specimens brushed with Colgate Lemon and Salt, Group 3: specimens brushed with Colgate Visible White, Group 4: specimens brushed with Colgate Sensitive, and Group 5: intact enamel surface). Samples were brushed using a customized automated toothbrushing machine for 60 min. A profilometric read out (Ra value) was taken for each group subjected to brushing and also for the control group.
Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis used in this study was one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey's test.
Results: Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the values of enamel abrasion (Ra) among Group 1-Group 4 whereas Group 5 (control group) had no significant difference in enamel abrasion (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The highest enamel abrasion was observed in the group with Colgate Visible White toothpaste, and the least enamel abrasion was seen in the group with Colgate Sensitive Plus.
Keywords: Abrasion; enamel; profilometry; toothpaste.