In vitro effects of fluoride-based and desensitizing toothpastes on dentine permeability

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Dentine hypersensitivity is a common clinical condition.
• Dentine permeability contributes to tooth sensitivity.
• Effective dentifrice formulations are crucial for managing dentine permeability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of three different toothpastes in reducing dentine permeability compared to a sodium fluoride toothpaste.
• To assess the dentinal tubule occlusion capabilities of various toothpaste formulations.

Main Methods:

• Dentine discs were treated with four commercial toothpastes: Sensodyne® Rapid (strontium acetate), Elmex Sensitive ProfessionalTM (arginine/monofluoro-phosphate), Colgate Total Advanced® (sodium fluoride), and AZ Pro-Expert® (stannous fluoride).
• Permeability was measured using a fluid filtration system.
• Specimens were subjected to artificial saliva storage and citric acid challenges.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze dentinal tubule occlusion.

Main Results:

• All tested dentifrices affected dentine permeability.
• Toothpastes formulated for hypersensitivity demonstrated significant reductions in dentine permeability.
• SEM analysis confirmed the presence of dentifrice particles occluding dentinal tubules.
• Stannous fluoride (SnF2) treated samples showed the most substantial tubule occlusion.

Conclusions:

• Specific hypersensitivity toothpastes effectively decrease dentine permeability.
• Stannous fluoride demonstrates superior dentinal tubule occlusion properties compared to other tested ingredients.
• These findings support the use of targeted dentifrices for managing dentine hypersensitivity.