Occlusion Effect of Dentinal Tubules of the Dentifrice Containing Nano-sized Carbonate Apatite

Abstract

Exposed dentine with patent tubules allows the movement of the tubule fluid leading to dentine sensitivity. An occlusion of patent dentinal tubules can effectively reduce the state of dentine hypersensitivity. Strontium chloride (SrCl2) has been known as a representative component of a desensitizing dentifrice. Recently, a desensitizing dentifrice containing nano-sized Carbonated Apatites (n-CAPs) was released onto the market. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the occlusion effects of dentinal tubules in dentifrices containing several concentrations of the n-CAPs. One hundred human dentine specimens were embedded into a Teflon mold and ground with silicone carbide papers to expose the dentin surface. The dentin surface was etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 60 seconds and washed ultrasonically for 1 hour. The dentifrices were classified into five groups: experimental dentifrices Group 1: n-CAPs 5%, group 2: n-CAPs 15%, group 3: n- CAPs 0% and group 4: n-CAPs 30%, and the control dentifrice group 5: SrCl2 10%. The dentifrice slurries were prepared as 20 grams of dentifrice in 80 ml of distilled water. Fifty specimens were brushed with the dentifrice slurries using a V8 Cross Brushing Machine. Tooth brushing was performed 5,000 times using a back-and–forth stroke. Images showing the sizes of the dentinal tubules were taken by scanning electron microscopy (×3000) and the changes in the tubule sizes were analyzed using a digital analyzer. The n-CAPs used in this study had a high solubility and affinity to bone minerals. In addition, the n-CAPs were well deposited on patent dentinal tubules. The group 1 dentifrice (n-CAPs 5% and silica 25%) showed the highest dentinal tubule occlusion, and there was a statistically significant difference between group 4 and the control (p<0.05). Overall, the dentifrice containing 5% nano carbonated apatite and 25% silica is the most effective in occluding dentinal tubules.