Objectives: Increasing number of mouthrinses with various therapeutic claims are available to the public. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of mouthrinses on human enamel surface by using SEM. Methods: Nine popular brands of mouthrinses were obtained locally. The pH of each mouthrinses were determined with Fisher Accumet pH-meter Model 815 MP. Visually intact non-carious third molars were cut vertically into six sections. Sections from the same tooth were exposed to one brand of mouthrinse for 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 min., respectively. The treated tooth-sections were vacuum dried, gold coated and examined under SEM. Photograph of representative enamel surface were taken. Effect of exposure to mouthrinses were compared. Results: Plax has no effect; Oral-B, Rembrandt Whitening Fluoride Mouthwash, Rembrandt Dazzling Fresh Mouthwash caused a barely perceptible effect; Fluorigard, Scope, Tom's of Maine caused moderate changes; Targon, Dr. Tichenor's Pepperminty exerted the maximum effect among the mouthrinses studied. Conclusion: Results indicated that mouthrinses can cause microscopic changes on enamel surface. Acidity of the mouthrinses alone does not predict the extent of the changes.

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