Effects of a potassium nitrate mouthwash on dentinal tubules--a SEM analysis using the dentine disc model

The concept of tubular occlusion as a method of dentine desensitisation is a logical conclusion from the hydrodynamic hypothesis put forth by Brannström. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate qualitatively by SEM whether a 3% potassium nitrate/0.2% sodium fluoride mouthwash occluded tubule orifices, and by x-ray microanalysis, to characterise the nature of the deposits if any, following application. Following the 'dentine disc model' methodology 1mm thick tooth sections from unerupted molars were obtained. These were treated with the test and control mouthwashes and subjected to scanning electron microscopy. If any deposits were seen, they were to be subjected to elemental analysis using the energy dispersive x-ray analyser. Examination of all the dentine disc surfaces, treated by water (control), active and control mouthwashes demonstrated that none of the treatments, at any of the time intervals, had any visible effect on the dentinal tubule orifices i.e. there was no dentinal tubular occlusion seen. The results suggest that potassium nitrate does not reduce dentinal hypersensitivity, at least by tubule occlusion. This could mean that there is a different mechanism of action, which could not be detected by this in vitro model.