Oxalate-containing phytocomplexes as dentine desensitisers: an in vitro study.

It is known that pulpal fluid movement through dentinal tubules causes dentinal hypersensitivity and that pain can be reduced by decreasing the fluid flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate dentinal permeability and morphology after a single exposure to experimental phytocomplex substances containing oxalates. The treatments tested were experimental pastes, gels and solutions of phytocomplexes (extracted from rhubarb, spinach and mint), an experimental paste containing 5% potassium oxalate, and two commercial toothpastes recommended for dentinal hypersensitivity (Elmex and Sensodyne). Dentine discs from human third molars were used in this study. Each sample was brushed for 3 min with each treatment in order to test reductions in dentinal permeability. Each treated sample was challenged with orthophosphoric acid for 90 s to determine changes in dentinal permeability and the sensitivity of treatments to acid challenge. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyse the samples. This study found that spinach and rhubarb phytocomplex treatments reduced dentinal permeability by occluding dentinal tubules through formation of calcium oxalate crystals. These results indicate that phytocomplexes extracted from rhubarb and spinach, used in different formulations, should be effective for topical treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.