Polishing and whitening properties of toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite.

Toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite (HA-toothpaste) have demonstrated efficacy in preventing caries, treating hypersensitivity and curing periodontal diseases, however, their effects on whitening teeth have not been investigated. In this study, the polishing and whitening properties of hydroxyapatite contained toothpastes were evaluated in a combined experimental and clinical study. The polishing properties were evaluated in artificial teeth by polishing with different toothpastes, while the brightening and whitening properties were examined in volunteers using two colorimeters with two specially made fiberscopes. The results revealed that the addition of hydroxyapatite to toothpaste did not alter its polishing properties, while it did result in a marked increase in tooth-whiting. It was also found that the brightening and whitening properties increased as the amount of hydroxyapatite in the toothpaste increased. It is concluded that toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite are effective at whitening tooth and that whitening was not due to their polishing effect on tooth surface. Copyright 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers