Cleaning effect of toothbrushing with three different toothpastes and water.

The cleaning effect of three different toothpastes and water was studied in vivo using a laser reflexion technique. Ten healthy persons formed the test group. Light reflexion measurements on the upper front teeth were performed before and after the removal of a 72-hour plaque-pellicle. The results suggest that the toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate as abrasive was less effective than a toothpaste containing aluminium silicate, calcium carbonate and dicalcium-phosphate dihydrate or silicon dioxide and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate. The abrasivity of the toothpastes was compared in vitro. The in vitro results correspond quite well to the in vivo findings.