[Neurophysiological effect of flavor and caffeine added to toothpaste].

OBJECTIVES

We previously reported that tooth brushing can be used for active resting as a fatigue-reducing method. In this study, we focused on toothpaste, aiming at increasing the fatigue-reducing effect of tooth brushing.

METHODS

Flavoring and caffeine were added to toothpaste, and their effects were investigated employing the Flicker value, event-related potential P300, and mood scale. Thirteen healthy male and female adults (6 males and 7 females, mean age +/- standard deviation: 28.2 +/- 6.5 yr) performed a 25-minute calculation task using a personal computer, brushed their teeth using the toothpaste, and then repeated the calculation task.

RESULTS

The P300 peak latency was significantly shortened after tooth brushing with the toothpaste containing flavoring and caffeine, compared to that after brushing with toothpaste containing no additives (p<0.01), and prolongation of the P300 peak latency after the calculation task was significantly inhibited (p<0.01). In addition, the accuracy of the calculation task tended to increase (p<0.1). Regarding the mood scale, "general fatigue" decreased (p<0.1), "lassitude" was significantly reduced (p<0.05), and "feeling of being refreshed" and "feeling of clear-headedness" were significantly increased (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the usefulness of tooth brushing with toothpaste with added flavoring and caffeine as a fatigue-reducing method.