Combined use of baking soda and electric toothbrushing for removal of artificial extrinsic stain on enamel surface: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of baking soda and electric toothbrushing on the removal of artificial extrinsic stain in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Flat enamel surfaces of 15 bovine incisors were artificially stained with 10% citric acid / 3% ferric chloride solution followed by 1% tannic acid solution. These specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5) – Group S+B: brushing with an electric toothbrush and baking soda, Group S+C: brushing with an electric toothbrush and fluoride dentifrice, Group S: brushing only with an electric toothbrush. Color values (L*, a*, and b*) and surface roughness were measured before and after brushing (after 1, 2, 3, and 5 min). The data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honest significant difference test as a post hoc test (p< 0.05). RESULTS: The L* value of Group S+B increased over time, and was significantly different between before brushing and at 5 min (p< 0.05). A significant difference in the ΔE* value of Group S+B was found at 5 min (p< 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the ΔE* values of Group S+C and Group S. No significant differences in Ra were found in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the combined use of baking soda and electric toothbrushing has an excellent stain-removing effect compared with electric toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice. Additionally, the changes in surface roughness were similar to the changes caused by the use of general dentifrices. Key words:Baking soda, dentifrice, extrinsic stain removal, color change, surface roughness.