Journal of Dentistry · July 2024 · Laboratory (in vitro) study
Objectives
To assess the performance of a novel fluoride dentifrice containing micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) and entrapped silica — the technology inside ENAMÜR.
Methods
Extrinsic stain removal was measured with the standard pellicle cleaning method, and dentin abrasion was measured on the industry-standard laboratory scale, to calculate a cleaning efficiency index. Fluoride efficacy was evaluated using widely used remineralization and fluoride-uptake methods. The test product was compared with Crest Cavity Protection, Crest ProHealth, Sensodyne Pronamel, Arm & Hammer Advanced Whitening and Colgate Optic White.
Results
- Stain removal: comparable to three marketed whitening toothpastes (Arm & Hammer Advanced Whitening, Crest ProHealth and Colgate Optic White).
- Abrasion: significantly lower than five of the other products, including the whitening pastes it matched on stain removal.
- Cleaning efficiency: the highest cleaning efficiency index of all products tested.
- Fluoride: in a 10-day pH-cycling study, fluoride efficacy was comparable to Sensodyne Pronamel and Crest Cavity Protection, and fluoride uptake into incipient enamel lesions was superior to the USP reference dentifrice.
Conclusion
The MFC dentifrice has low abrasion yet is highly effective at removing stained pellicle, and is an efficacious fluoride source compared with commercially available fluoride dentifrices that have high dentin abrasivity.
Clinical significance
Adding micro-fibrillated cellulose to a fluoride dentifrice gives a low-abrasive product that can effectively remove external stains and serve as an effective fluoride source — a combination well suited to enamel protection and caries prevention.
