A longitudinal comparison of tooth whitening resulting from dentifrice use

J Clin Dent. 1998;9(3):67-71.

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cuspid
  • Dentifrices / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Incisor
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Silicic Acid
  • Silicon Dioxide / therapeutic use*
  • Sodium Bicarbonate / chemistry
  • Sodium Bicarbonate / therapeutic use*
  • Sodium Fluoride / therapeutic use*
  • Tooth Discoloration / drug therapy*
  • Toothpastes

Substances

  • Dentifrices
  • Toothpastes
  • hydrated silica gel-based toothpaste
  • sodium bicarbonate-based toothpaste
  • Silicic Acid
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Sodium Bicarbonate
  • Sodium Fluoride
  • Hydrogen Peroxide