Effect of novel charcoal-containing whitening toothpaste and mouthwash on color change and surface morphology of enamel
Dimitrios Dionysopoulos, Spyros Papageorgiou, Lamprini Malletzidou, Olga Gerasimidou, Kosmas Tolidis
Abstract
<b>Purpose:</b> The aim of this<i> in vitro </i>study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel charcoal-containing whitening toothpaste and a mouthwash on tooth color change and the alterations of enamel that may be induced after toothbrushing, corresponding to a 90-day period.<br><b>Materials and Methods:</b> Forty human canines were used, stained with coffee, and divided into four groups (<i>n</i> = 10) as follows: Group 1 (control) submitted to toothbrushing with deionized water, Group 2 with a regular toothpaste, Group 3 with a whitening toothpaste (1% charcoal), and Group 4 with the same whitening toothpaste in combination with a mouthwash (1% charcoal and 0.5% H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>). After the treatments, ΔE of the teeth was evaluated using an ultraviolet/Vis spectrophotometer, whereas the changes in surface morphology were observed by means of a confocal microscope. <br><b>Results:</b> The whitening toothpaste increased significantly ΔE (40.5%) compared to the control group (<i>P</i> < 0.001). In addition, the tested whitening toothpaste also increased ΔE (17.7%) compared to the regular toothpaste (<i>P</i> = 0.023). The whitening toothpaste presented smoother surfaces after toothbrushing, but more heterogeneous with numerous large craters, whereas the whitening mouthwash did not influence surface morphology changes. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Charcoal-containing toothpastes may enhance the whitening of the teeth, but they should be used carefully due to changes that may induce on enamel. The patients should consult a dental professional for proper use. A charcoal-containing mouthwash in combination with whitening toothpastes probably cannot offer additional whitening effect.<br>