Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Desensitizing Toothpastes in Occluding Dentinal Tubules under Artificial Saliva and Acid Conditions: An In-Vitro SEM Study

Introduction: Dentin hypersensitivity, a prevalent clinical condition is typically treated with desensitizing toothpastes as the primary choice for relieving pain. Ideally, desensitizing toothpaste must minimize dentin permeability and sustain the tubule occlusion despite acid challenges and immersion in saliva. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 5% NovaMin (R) dentifrice and 5% Potassium nitrate dentifrice in dentinal tubule occlusion after citric acid challenge and immersion in artificial saliva through scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Method: 36 samples of EDTA etched dentin discs prepared from extracted teeth were equally distributed in to three groups. Group 1 was brushed with 5% NovaMin (R) dentifrice and Group 2 with 5% Potassium nitrate dentifrice. Group 3 was brushed with Distilled water as a control. Each group was equally divided in to two subgroups to be treated with: 6 wt% citric acid or 24 hrs artificial saliva immersion. The samples underwent SEM analysis and images were subjected to Gutmann JL et al scoring method. The agreement between the scores of two examiners was assessed by Spearmans correlation coefficient. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. Results: Group 1 had showed better dentinal tubule occlusion after artificial saliva immersion and citric acid challenge when compared to other groups. Conclusion: Hence 5% NovaMin (R) dentifrice represented an excellent approach to dentinal tubule occlusion on artificial saliva immersion and acid challenges compared to 5% potassium nitrate dentifrice.