Effect of H₂O₂ Solution's pH on the Human Enamel Micro and Nanowear

The effect of 30% H2O2 solutions with different pH (2, 4 and 6) on the wear of human dental enamel was studied. Additionally, the whitening efficiency and changes in hardness and morphology were evaluated. The enamel tribological response was accessed through two different approaches: ball-on-plate and atomic force microscopy (AFM), the later following a tribological model based on a single asperity contact. The results showed differences in the specific wear rate and wear mechanisms between the two used approaches. Regardless of the tribological approach used, the wear resistance of enamel was lower for pH=2. It was observed that pH=6 leads to a safe and efficient whitening treatment.