Tribological mode of action of spherical silica in a tooth brushing contact

Tooth brushing is essential for the maintenance of oral health and in particular the prevention of Caries. The brushing process is a complex tribological contact which is influenced by a number of interrelated variables combining to cause the abrasion which results in the cleaning of the tooth surface. This process sits at a precipice where abrasion is required for cleaning but also has the potential to abrade and irreversibly damage the enamel surface. The ultimate goal in tooth paste development is a paste capable of high levels of stain removal with no enamel abrasion. Recent work has indicated that micronized spherical silica has the potential to reduce enamel and dentine abrasion while providing an enhanced level of cleaning, compared to standard angular silica.