Objective: To investigate dentinal occlusion of two desensitizing toothpastes using manual versus electric toothbrushes.
Methods: A total of 40 sound human molars were used in this study. From each tooth, one dentin disc specimen was prepared 2 mm in thickness. Specimens were divided randomly into 2 main groups (n=20), according to the type of toothpaste used; Arginine-based toothpaste and Nanohydroxyapatite-based toothpaste. Each main group was subdivided into 2 subgroups (n=10) according to the type of toothbrush; manual toothbrush and electric toothbrush. Each specimen was brushed twice daily, 1 min each, for 4 days and subjected to acidic challenge using grapefruit juice. Specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope to determine degree of dentinal occlusion before and after acidic challenge. Degree of dentinal occlusion were determined using occlusion scoring system on a scale of 1-5. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed.
Results: Hydroxyapatite toothpaste revealed significantly higher dentinal occlusion score than arginine toothpaste in all experimental groups. Electric toothbrush recorded higher dentinal occlusion score than manual toothbrush with arginine toothpaste before and after acid challenge. However, no significant difference was recorded between both toothbrushes with hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste was not affected by the acidic challenge in contrast to arginine toothpaste which was negatively affected.
Conclusion: Hydroxyapatite toothpaste was effective in dentinal tubules occlusion and able to resist acidic challenge whether brushed using manual or electric toothbrush. Use of electric toothbrush with arginine toothpaste was beneficial in improving dentinal tubules occlusion before and after acidic challenge.