Influence of the amount of dentifrice used for brushing on enamel and dentin abrasion.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the amount of dentifrice (dose) used per brushing affects the abrasion of the hard tooth tissues. METHODS: Enamel and dentin specimens were subjected to simulated brushing with two commercial dentifrices (Prodent, Smyle dentifrice in tablet form) and positive as well as negative controls at varying amounts of dentifrices (standard dose, half, and double dose). Brushing without dentifrice (with water) functioned as a negative control. Tooth wear was quantified using profilometry, and statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: For enamel, dose variations had minimal impact. However, dentin wear increased significantly with higher doses, particularly for the positive control and Smyle at double dose (P< 0.05). Dilution reduced abrasivity inconsistently across brands. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The amount of dentifrice used for brushing has a significant, dose-dependent effect on dentin abrasion, whereas enamel is relatively unaffected, and brushing without dentifrice does not cause wear. While dentifrice in tablet form provides a manufacturer‑defined standard amount per brushing, this is not the case for dentifrice in paste form. Because the amount of dentifrice used influences dentin wear, it is advisable that manufacturers clearly define the recommended quantity of dentifrice for a single brushing.