Little Ironweed and Java Tea in Herbal Toothpaste Reduced Dentine Permeability: An In Vitro Study

To determine the effect of an herbal toothpaste containing Little Ironweed and Java Tea, on reducing dentine permeability in vitro.

Dentine discs from human mandibular third molars were divided into three groups and brushed with herbal toothpaste, nonherbal toothpaste, or deionized water. Each group was immersed in artificial saliva (AS) or 6% citric acid. The permeability of each dentine disc was evaluated before and after saliva or acid challenge using a fluid filtration system. The morphology of dentine discs after treatment was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean permeabilities were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's test.

The nonherbal and herbal toothpaste groups demonstrated reduced dentine permeability. AS immersion decreased dentine permeability in both toothpaste groups with values lower than the control group. Dentine permeability values increased after acid immersion in the toothpaste groups and were similar to each other. SEM revealed small granular crystal-like and round particles on the dentine surface and opening of dentinal tubules of both toothpaste groups. More dentinal tubules were opened after brushing with deionized water.

The reduction of dentine permeability caused by the herbal toothpaste was similar to that of the nonherbal toothpaste after brushing and the simulated oral conditions. Both herbal plants have the possibility to alleviate clinical hypersensitivity by reducing dentine permeability. Little Ironweed and Java Tea in the toothpaste composition is a potential choice for treating hypersensitive dentine.