Dentinal tubule occlusion by desensitizing dentifrices: SEM study

Aim - To evaluate the effects of different desensitizing dentifrices on dentinal tubule occlusion by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods and Materials - Thirty dentine blocks were prepared and divided into three groups of ten specimens each. The groups corresponded to the following treatments: Arginine, Strontium chloride, and Novamin. The toothpaste was applied twice a day for fourteen days. The dentinal tubule occlusion was assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), at baseline i.e. before application of the toothpaste, at seven, and fourteen-day application, respectively. Results - Arginine and Strontium chloride almost completely occluded the dentinal tubules at seven and fourteen day treatment as compared to Novamin. Conclusions - As Arginine and Strontium chloride containing toothpaste occluded the dentinal tubules, they may be useful for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity.