Dentin Tubule Occlusion Potential of Novel Dentifrices Having Fluoride Containing Bioactive Glass and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVE To compare the in vitro potential of dentin tubule occlusion of two novel experimental dentifrices consisting of fluoride containing bioactive glass (BG) with zinc oxide nanoparticles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight dentin discs (n = 48) were divided into 6 groups (n = 8), based on their brushing dentifrices: Group 1 = artificial saliva (AS; control); Group 2 = fluoride dentifrice (Colgate Palmolive©, UK); Group 3 = experimental nonactive agent dentifrice; Group 4 = experimental dentifrice with 1.5% BG; Group 5 = experimental dentifrice with 4% BG; and Group 6 = BioMinF© dentifrice. Postbrushing, the discs were subjected to acidic challenge with 6% wt citric acid (pH = 4.0) for 1 min. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were performed pre- and post-citric acid challenges, and percentages of tubule occlusion assessed. RESULTS SEM micrographs of group 1 (AS) show no tubule occlusion (0%), whereas those of groups 2 and 3 show partial tubule occlusion (25 to 50 and <100%) were occluded. For all the groups (excluding group 1), pre- and post-citric acid challenge values are statistically significant (p < 0.05). EDX analysis reveals the presence of zinc in experimental dentifrices only. CONCLUSION The results of novel experimental dentifrices are comparable to those of the BioMinF©, in terms of tubule occlusion. Dentifrices containing BG could serve as an alternative in dentin sensitivity management.