Media Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesehatan
Vol. 36 No. 2 (2026): MEDIA PENELITIAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN KESEHATAN

Effect of sodium bicarbonate on tooth surface roughness and microhardness

Erma Mahmiyah (Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia)
Amakhul Husna (Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia)
Rusmali Rusmali (Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jun 2026

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Baking soda is an abrasive agent widely used to remove dental plaque and stains through mechanical friction on the enamel surface. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different baking soda concentrations on tooth surface roughness and microhardness to identify a formulation that is both effective and clinically safe. Methods: This study was an in vitro experimental study using a Post-Test Only Control Group Design with 36 extracted human teeth divided into control and treatment groups. The specimens were exposed to sodium bicarbonate paste at concentrations of 35%, 50%, and 70%. The paste was applied for three minutes, brushed in a circular motion eight times, and then rinsed. The procedure was repeated four times, simulating once-weekly application over four weeks. Surface roughness was measured using a Surface Roughness Tester (Starrett), while tooth microhardness was assessed using a Vickers Hardness Tester (Shimadzu F0310). Results: One-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in surface roughness among groups (p<0.05), with the 70% concentration showing a significantly higher roughness compared to the control and 35% groups. Microhardness analysis also showed a statistically significant difference overall (p<0.05); however, post hoc testing revealed no significant differences among the treatment groups. Conclusion: Clinically, these findings indicate that sodium bicarbonate at concentrations of 35% and 50% does not compromise enamel integrity, as it does not increase surface roughness or reduce tooth microhardness, supporting its potential application in toothpaste formulations for safe plaque and stain removal.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jmp2k

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Dentistry Environmental Science Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Media of Health Research and Development is a journal that was developed to disseminate and discuss scientific papers on health development and other research of health. The journal is intended as a medium of communication for those who were interested to study health, among others, for researchers, ...