Indian J Dent Res. 2002 Jan-Mar; 13(1): 5-10.

The effect of miswak and tooth brush filaments end-surface texture on enamel. A SEM pilot study.

Almas K, Atassi F.

Division of Periodontics, Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. khalidalmas@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the abrasive effect of miswak and toothbrush filaments on enamel tooth surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten maxillary central incisors were obtained from Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, King Saud University, College of Dentistry. Twenty specimen were prepared, they were divided into 4 groups (1) Butler toothbrush; (2) Aquafresh toothbrush; (3) Miswak; (4) Control group. Miswak, Aquafresh 311 and Butler 311 tooth brush were used with light pressure in one direction motion for 60 seconds on enamel surface. The specimens were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) examination. The middle filament from toothbrushes and miswak were also prepared for SEM. RESULTS: Showed that filaments end-surface texture play a major role in abrasive active activity and enamel tooth surface loss. CONCLUSION: The Butler 311 toothbrush and miswak showed lesser effect on enamel as compared to Aquafresh 311 toothbrush.