[The effect of toothpaste on the gingiva].

Under standarized conditions, foils are applied and removed from the attached gingiva of the mandibular anterior region. The amount of epithelial cells clinging to the test foils was determined. When compared to toothpastes with the usual content of surface active substances, the short contact of a toothpaste containing a high percentage of wetting agents increases the number of epithelial cells loosened by mechanic forces.