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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue4
Subject Area: Dental Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026324.7136
Published online: 08 October 2026
Original article
J of IMAB. 2026 Oct-Dec;32(4):7136-7141
IMPACT OF SIMULATED TOOTHBRUSHING ON SURFACE MICROROUGHNESS OF PRIMARY TOOTH ENAMEL AND DIFFERENT RESTORATIVE MATERIALS
Ralitsa Bogovska-Gigova
, Victoria Zlateva, Krasimir Hristov,
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the surface microroughness (Ra) of primary tooth enamel and different restorative materials (compomer and bulk-fill composites) before and after simulated toothbrushing.
Material and methods: Exfoliated intact primary molars and four restorative materials (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill, VisCalor Bulk, SonicFill 3, and Dyract as a control) were tested (n=10 per group). Disc-shaped specimens from each material (10 mm diameter, 2 mm thick) were prepared using silicone molds. Surface roughness was measured using a precision tester (profilometer) before and after 20,000 cycles of simulated toothbrushing in a custom-designed machine. The paste used in the study was Elmex Junior (RDA=60) with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Results: Baseline Ra values were lowest for enamel (0.189 μm) and highest for Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill (0.68 μm). After toothbrushing, all groups except Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill (p=0.57) showed significant increases in Ra: enamel to 0.282 μm (p=0.013), VisCalor Bulk to 1.07 μm (p<0.001), SonicFill to 0.905 μm (p=0.003), and Dyract to 0.559 μm (p=0.004). Bulk-fill composites exhibited greater roughness increases than the compomer and enamel.
Conclusion: Simulated toothbrushing significantly increased surface microroughness in primary molars' enamel and most restorative materials, with bulk-fill composites showing greater susceptibility than compomers. Enamel maintained the smoothest surfaces, suggesting superior resistance to abrasive wear compared to the tested restorative materials.
Keywords: Primary teeth, surface microroughness, bulk-fill composites, compomer, simulated toothbrushing,
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Please cite this article as: Bogovska-Gigova R, Zlateva V, Hristov K. Impact of Simulated Toothbrushing on Surface Microroughness of Primary Tooth Enamel and Different Restorative Materials. J of IMAB. 2026 Oct-Dec;32(4):7136-7141. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026324.7136]
Correspondence to: Ralitsa Bogovska-Gigova, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Sofia; 1, Georgi Sofiisky str., Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: r.bogovska@fdm.mu-sofia.bg
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Received: 16 October 2025
Published online: 08 October 2026