title: A longitudinal comparison of tooth whitening resulting from dentifrice use.
abstract: The effect of twice-daily brushing with one of three different dentifrices (Arm & Hammer Dental Care, Arm & Hammer Dental Care Extra Whitening, Crest) on stain removal and tooth whitening was examined in 115 volunteers over a period of 12 weeks. The facial surfaces of 12 anterior teeth were assessed for stain using a published, modified version of a standard stain index. Whiteness was measured on teeth 8 and 9 using a single Vita Lumin-Vaccum Shade Guide for consistency. At baseline, the mean facial stain scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05-0.01) for both Arm & Hammer dentifrices than for Crest. In addition, the tooth shades, as indicated by the stain guide, specifically the b* values representing yellowness, were quantified using a Minolta spectrophotometer. Arm & Hammer Dental Care Extra Whitening formula was found to be significantly better than Crest at removing naturally occurring extrinsic stain. The difference between Arm & Hammer Dental Care Extra Whitening and Crest became significant (p < 0.01) after two weeks of use, and remained intact during the balance of the study, achieving p values of 0.0002 for at least one of the three assessed parameters (total stain, proximal, and facial) at weeks 4 and 12. The study also found that Arm & Hammer Dental Care produced a significant increase in tooth whiteness by week 12, whereas Crest showed no such increase at any time during the study. These results suggest that the two Arm & Hammer Baking Soda products are more effective in reducing stain and increasing whiteness than the standard silica-based dentifrice. Their effectiveness is not related to abrasivity since they are less abrasive to tooth enamel than the silica-based product tested.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, USA. tkoertge@vcu.edu
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Koertge
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Sarbin
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Powers
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Gunsolley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003481:Cuspid; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D007180:Incisor; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012824:Silicic Acid; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014100:Toothpastes
chemical_list: D003802:Dentifrices; D014100:Toothpastes; C546060:hydrated silica gel-based toothpaste; C546054:sodium bicarbonate-based toothpaste; D012824:Silicic Acid; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide