Dentinal hypersensitivity: an innovative phytocomplexes-titanium oxide, synergic treatment

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on dentinal permeability of two innovative toothpastes containing titanium oxide and phytocomplexes (Aboca SpA, Italy). SEM morphology of dentin surface completed the study. Materials and Methods: The experimental toothpastes were composed by CMC + 15% of Rhubarb and Spinach extracts (experimental toothpaste A) and PEG 400/4000 + 15% of Rhubarb and Spinach extracts (experimental toothpaste B). Two commercial toothpastes were used as control (AZ complete and Colgate Total). A fluid-transport model was used to measure the dentinal permeability (Lp). Dentin discs (N=10) were treated for 3 minutes with the toothpaste and then the Lp was measured. Lp was also measured after H3PO4 attack for 90 seconds. After each treatment the amount of fluid flow was related to Lp max obtained with EDTA application for 5 minutes. All samples were then fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde in [0.2 M] sodium-cacodylate buffer, dehydrated in graded alcohol, gold sputtered and observed with SEM. Results: Permeability tests data showed a decrease of fluid flow across dentin after treatments with toothpastes containing phytocomplexes-titanium oxide (see the table). After acid attack the permeability of both experimental toothpastes resulted lightly increased. SEM analysis showed the presence of acid-resistant oxalate crystals on dentin surface and inside the dentinal tubules. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the treatment with both phytocomplexes-titanium oxide experimental toothpastes reduces dentinal permeability by occluding dentinal tubules by means of acid-resistant calcium oxalate micro-crystals formation. Phytocomplexes-titanium oxide experimental toothpastes may play a clinical role in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.