The dentine remineralization activity of a desensitizing bioactive glass-containing toothpaste: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND Dentine hypersensitivity occurs easily on exposed dentine. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel bioactive glass-containing toothpaste on dentine permeability and remineralization. METHODS Thirty dentine discs were divided into three groups of 10 specimens each. The groups corresponded to the following brushing treatments: no brush, distilled water, and bioactive glass-containing toothpaste (Novamin). The toothpaste was applied twice a day for 7 days. Dentine permeability was measured after ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) etching, initial application, 3-day application, 7-day application and citric acid challenge, respectively. The dentine morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to monitor the mineral variation on demineralized dentine. Qualitative information of elemental variation before and after treatments on completely demineralized dentine was detected by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. RESULTS The bioactive glass-containing toothpaste significantly reduced dentine permeability after the 7-day treatment and showed, under SEM, excellent resistance to acid challenge compared to the other groups. ATR/FTIR and EDX revealed increased mineral content after treatment with Novamin. CONCLUSIONS As the innovative bioactive glass-containing toothpaste occlude dentinal tubules and resist acid challenge, it may be useful for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and dentine remineralization.