Deleterious effects of nicotine containing dentifrices on human saliva and teeth: A novel study

Objectives
It was observed that there were some dentifrices in Indian market which have very high abrasiveness leading to severe abrasion of teeth and once their user develops the habit it is very difficult to quit. Thus this study was performed to examine the impact of such dentifrices on the human teeth and saliva.

Methods
Impact of said dentifrices dissolved in artificial saliva on premolar teeth of young patients (16–24 yrs), extracted for orthodontic purposes was evaluated. Raman spectroscopy, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray analytical microscopy are used to investigate destructive effects of tobacco containing dentifrices (TCD) on oral saliva and dissolution of human teeth.

Results
Investigation showed that TCD destroys thiocyanate ion of oral saliva which has antibacterial effect and is a destroyer of hydrogen peroxide generated in mouth and also found that nicotine and silica present in TCD quickly adsorb on surface of teeth and stimulate dissolution of teeth in saliva. This is supported by impedance measurement of teeth using EIS. Nicotine present in tobacco helps in deposition of phosphate and calcium containing minerals on tooth surface. Tobacco containing dentifrices cause preferential dissolution of minerals present in calcium hydroxy apatite of teeth. This is confirmed experimentally by EIS as impedance of tooth decreases.

Conclusions
As these dentifrices lead to the abrasion and erosion of teeth, change in their constituents can be of help to those who are using these dentifrices. These investigations can be used as basis for any modification in norms prepared by the governmental agencies like DCGI (Drug Controller General of India).