Managing dentin hypersensitivity: An In-Vitro comparison of commercially available desensitizing agents

Objective: To evaluate the in-vitro dentin tubule-occluding ability of three commercial desensitizing toothpastes and identify the most effective option for managing dentin hypersensitivity. Methodology: This in-vitro comparative study was conducted at the IIDC dental materials lab over 10 months. 30 extracted human premolars and molars (n=30) were transverse-sectioned to form mid-coronal dentin discs (~2-3 mm thick). The discs were subjected to smear layer removal and demineralization before being assigned into three groups (n=10). Each group received blinded application of Arginine-calcium carbonate (Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™), Strontium acetate (Doctor Fast Toothpaste), or NovaMin® (Sensodyne® Repair and Protect) for 5 minutes, twice daily, over 14 days. SEM imaging analyzed the extent of dentin tubular occlusion, while EDX analyzed mineral content at 7 and 14-day intervals. Statistical comparisons were made using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc test and paired samples t-test. (p<0.05). Results: After seven days, Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™ showed the greatest number of open tubules (p=0.002) and the largest tubular diameters (p<0.001), suggesting lower efficacy. By day 14, Sensodyne® Repair and Protect exhibited the fewest open tubules (p<0.001) with the smallest tubular diameters (p<0.001), indicating superior efficacy among the three toothpastes. Evaluation of mineral content at 7 and 14 days also showed the highest elevation of Ca and P levels with Sensodyne® Repair and Protect (p<0.001). Conclusion: All tested toothpastes promoted remineralization, however, Sensodyne® Repair and Protect provided the most effective dentin tubular occlusion and mineralization, making it the preferred choice for DH relief.