Amaechi, BT; Mathews, SM; Mensinkai, PK; ,
Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is treated by either occlusion of dentin tubules or nerve desensitization. This in situ study compared dentin tubules occlusion by theobromine-containing dentifrices with (Theodent-classic-FA (R), TCF) and without (Theodent-classicA (R), TC) fluoride with 1,500 ppm fluoride toothpaste, ColgateA (R)-Regular (Fluoride) and NovaminA (R)-containing toothpaste, SensodyneA (R)-5000-Nupro (NovaminA (R)).Each subject wore four intraoral appliances bearing dentin blocks while using one of four test dentifrices (n = 20/dentifrice) twice daily for 7 days. The four appliances were removed successively after 1, 2, 3, and 7 days. Treated blocks and their control (untreated) blocks were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Effects were compared statistically (ANOVA/Tukey's) based on percentage of surface area covered by deposited precipitate layer (%DPL) and percentage of fully open (%FOT), partially occluded (%POT), and completely occluded (%COT) tubules in each block calculated relative to the number of tubules in their control blocks.SEM observation indicated an increased %COT and %DPL over time. After 1 and 2 days, %COT was comparable with TC and TCF, and significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared with NovaminA (R) and Fluoride. Following 3 and 7 days, %COT was comparable among TC, TCF, and NovaminA (R), but remained significantly lower in Fluoride. At any time, %DPL was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in TC, TCF, and NovaminA (R) compared with Fluoride.Theobromine-containing toothpastes with and without fluoride have equal potential in occluding dentin tubules within a shorter time period than NovaminA (R)-containing toothpaste; however, the three demonstrated equal potential after 1 week, but not the fluoride toothpaste.Theobromine-containing toothpaste promoted dentin tubule occlusion thus shows potential to relief DH.