Comparison of the effect of propolis varnish and green tea varnish on treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity: An In vitro scanning electron microscope study

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is perceived as pain to any stimuli, affecting all individuals. Propolis and green tea are natural, nontoxic substances. The use of resinous propolis is effective in treating dentinal hypersensitivity, but green tea was unknown, even though it has medicinal properties. There is a lack of information on the application of varnish providing longer exposure than solutions and its efficacy in treating dentinal hypersensitivity. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate and compare the result of propolis varnish and green tea varnish on the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity by occlusion of dentinal tubules using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. Methods: Forty-five sound human posterior teeth freshly extracted were stored in formalin until in vitro assessment. Three groups of 15 discs each were divided out of 45 discs and coated with respective varnish such as Group A (saline, control), Group B (propolis varnish, experimental), and Group C (green tea varnish, experimental). All the discs were examined under SEM to observe the occlusion of the dentinal tubules. Results: Statistically significant analysis of Group B and Group C showed more tubule occlusion as compared to control Group A where P = 0.05. Conclusions: Based on our study, the dentinal tubule can be occluded to prevent tooth hypersensitivity by applying varnish with natural products such as propolis and green tea. In addition, propolis varnish and green tea varnish have low toxicity and multiple biological activities that strengthen their application in health care, which is useful and effective in treating DH.