Effect of herbal toothpaste on the colour stability, surface roughness, and microhardness of aesthetic restorative materials—an in vitro study

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the in vitro effects of two commonly used commercial herbal toothpastes (Dabur Meswak and Patanjali Dant Kanti) on the colour stability, surface texture, and microhardness of two commonly used aesthetic restorative materials, i.e., nanofilled composite and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (NFC and RMGIC). Materials and methods The samples were brushed twice daily using two herbal toothpastes, Dabur Meswak (Dabur India Ltd) and Patanjali Dant Kanti (Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, India) and powered toothbrush. Atomic force microscopy, spectroscopy, and digital micro hardness testing were used to estimate the changes in the surface roughness, colour change, and hardness of the samples, respectively, at baseline and after six months. Results Regarding colour change, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between baseline and six months in both the RMGIC and NFC for both herbal toothpastes. Both RMGIC and NFC had higher Ra values when brushed with either toothpaste, indicating a rough surface. The greatest increase in the mean difference in microhardness was observed for the Patanjali Dant Kanti toothpaste samples brushed on both NFC and RMGIC. Conclusion In our work, herbal toothpaste increased surface roughness and microhardness and caused colour changes in the two most commonly used aesthetic restorative materials. Clinical relevance Herbal toothpastes affect the surface texture of aesthetic dental restorative materials. Dental professionals may need to educate their patients to be cautious regarding the prolonged use of herbal toothpaste.