Introduction and aims: This study aimed to evaluate the relative dentin abrasivity of whitening toothpastes containing acids using the Radioactive Dentin Abrasivity - Profilometry Equivalent (RDA-PE).

Methods: A total of 100 bovine dentin specimens were prepared and assigned to the following groups (n = 10): 5 hydrogen peroxide (HP) whitening toothpastes (WTH1-WTH5) with or without acid (citric acid, ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid disodium, and phosphoric acid), 2 whitening toothpastes with silica and containing citric or phosphoric acid (WTS1 and WTS2), one conventional toothpaste (CT), and 2 reference slurries (RS). All specimens were brushed for 4,000 or 10,000 strokes using toothbrush and toothbrushing machine. The average dentin depth was measured using a noncontact profilometery, and the RDA-PE value was calculated based on the RS. The pH of the solution, average particle size, particle content, and particle hardness were measured. The RDA-PE data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test, and the effects of the 4 measured factors on RDA-PE were investigated via multiple regression analysis.

Results: The RDA-PE values of the HP whitening toothpastes (mean value: 19-46) were significantly lower, whereas those of the silica whitening toothpastes (80 or 111) were similar to those of the RS after 4,000 strokes (100). The RDA-PE values of all whitening toothpastes were significantly lower than the RS values after 10,000 strokes (242). The HP whitening toothpastes were slightly acidic (pH ≤6) compared to the other solutions. The HP (2.9%-3.7%) and silica (8.9% or 9.9%) whitening toothpastes had significantly lower particle content than RS (16.6%). The particle content significantly influenced the RDA-PE values by multiple regression results.

Conclusions: The RDA-PE values of whitening toothpastes varied. The particle content in the solution was a key factor affecting the RDA-PE value.

Clinical relevance: Whitening toothpastes containing acids did not cause significant dentin abrasion.