In vitro evaluation of obliteration of dentinal tubules using toothpaste containing sodium trimetaphosphate

Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the action of in vitro TMP microparticle (TMPM) and nanoparticulate (TMPn) associated with the fluoride (F) in dentifrice formulations in the obliteration of dentinal tubules (TD).
Methods: Bovine dental blocks (4x4x2 mm) were ground flat and polished and dentinal tubules desobliterados with NaOH 10% during 12 hours. The blocks (n = 50) underwent mechanical brushing 2x / day for 7 days with toothpaste: placebo (no F and without TMP), 1100 ppm F without TMP, 1100 ppm F associated with 3% TMPm, 1100 ppm F associated with 3% TMPn. Ten blocks were not undergoing treatment. The dentin surface was analyzed for the area, the diameter and TD numbers not obliterated using scanning electron microscopy and quantification of the chemical elements of the precipitates present in the TD using the analysis by energy dispersive X-ray. The data was tested for statistical variance of one criterion as well as Student-Newman-Keuls test (p <0.05).
Results: Groups with TMP had higher obliteration, smaller diameter and number of TD when compared to other groups (p <0.05). There was no difference between the groups with TMPn and TMPM (p> 0.05). All groups showed better results than the control group. The placebo and 1100ppm F groups had similar results . Higher % of Ca and P elements were observed in the groups with TMP.
Conclusions: It is therefore concluded that addition of TMP nanoparticles and microparticles in dentifrice to a concentration of 1100 ppm F is capable of forming precipitates and obliterating the dentinal tubules.