Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ashwagandha and Ginger Paste in Comparison to Commercially Fluoride-Based Toothpaste on Dentinal Tubules Occlusion After Acid Challenge Using Scanning Electron Microscope: In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity is a common dental problem, so there is a growing interest in herbal-based products for treating oral diseases. This study assessed the efficacy of novel herbal-based toothpaste in reducing dentin hypersensitivity compared to commercially available toothpaste. Materials and Methods: Thirty dentin discs with (1.0± 0.1mm) thickness were prepared and divided into two groups (n=15): Group 1 samples were not subjected to acid challenge. Group 2: samples were subjected to an acid challenge. Each group (n=5) was subdivided into three subgroups according to the toothpaste used: Subgroup (A): dentin discs subjected to 0.5% Ashwagandha paste. Subgroup (G): dentin discs subjected to 0.5% Ginger paste. Subgroup (F): dentin discs subjected to Fluoride-based toothpaste (+ve control). Samples were assessed for the percentage of opened dentinal tubules per surface area using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Image J Analysis at baseline, after etching using 40% citric acid for 30 seconds, and after 14 days of the treatment regimen. Results: The highest percentage of opened dentinal tubules per surface area was recorded in the subgroup G1 (7.23±2.45), followed by F1 (6.47±3.15), and then A1 (5.9±1.7) with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.685). However, the highest percentage of opened dentinal tubules per surface area was recorded in the subgroup A2 (2.59±0.96), followed by G2 (2.34±0.81), then F2 (0.39±0.18) with a statistically significant difference (p=0.003). Group 2 showed statistically significantly higher values regarding the percentage of opened dentinal tubules per surface area than Group 1. Conclusion: All the toothpastes tested successfully treated dentin hypersensitivity concerning decreased opened dentinal tubules per surface area. Ginger and Ashwagandha were efficient as natural products that could successfully replace commercial products in managing dentin hypersensitivity.