PH of Commercially Available Brands of Toothpaste and Mouthwashes in Sulaimani/ Iraq Markets: An In-vitro Study

Abstract

Objective: The pH of the daily used toothpaste and mouthwashes dramatically affects the balance of the demineralization and remineralization processes on the tooth structure. Yet, its value is not labeled on the container for public.The aim of this study is to measure the pH values of various toothpaste and mouthwashes those are commercially available in Sulaimani market. 
 Methods: The pH value of twenty-one toothpastes and fifteen types of mouthwash commercially available in Sulaimani were measured twice by using JENWAY pH meter. The electrode immersed inside the tested sample (10 mL mouthwash and 2mg/10 mL toothpaste) for 3 minutes. The pH mean value for each sample was calculated.
 Results: The pH mean value for toothpaste and mouthwashes were 7.67 and 6.33, respectively. Low pH values were reported in Vitis- ortho (4.94), and Desensin repair toothpaste (6.99) and high values reported in A.ME menton &calcium toothpaste (8.85) and Nano- whitening mouthwash (7.855).
 Conclusions: The pH of toothpaste was neutral to slightly basic. Thus their repeated use is considered as none erosive. While the pH of mouthwashes was acidic or somewhat optimal, that indicates the possibility of enamel erosion with frequent use. Thus a careful mouthwash’s type selection is required.