BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the desensitizing effect of toothpaste containing the active ingredients of an extract of Galla chinensis, both in vitro and in patients with dentin hypersensitivity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with dentin hypersensitivity were divided into two study groups and given toothpaste containing either the active ingredients of Galla chinensis extract and sodium fluoride, or a control toothpaste containing only sodium fluoride. Assessments included the tactile stimulation test and the Schiff cold air sensitivity scale, which were conducted at the baseline examination and after 4 and 8 weeks of dental brushing. Twenty-five intact human premolars from 24 patients with dentin hypersensitivity were prepared and randomly divided into four groups, the untreated baseline group, the study group, the positive control group, and the control group. After brushing with different toothpaste for 7 days, the effects on dentinal tubule sealing in each group was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the degree of dentinal tubule plugging and diameter of the open dentinal tubules were calculated.

RESULTS: Toothpaste containing the active ingredients of Galla chinensis and sodium fluoride significantly reduced the degree of dentin hypersensitivity when compared with toothpaste containing sodium fluoride alone after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of use. Toothpaste containing the active ingredients of Galla chinensis significantly reduced the number and diameter of the open dentinal tubules.

CONCLUSIONS: Toothpaste that contained the active ingredients of Galla chinensis and sodium fluoride reduced the symptoms of dentin hypersensitivity by sealing the dentinal tubules.

Keywords: Dentin, Sodium Fluoride, Toothpastes, Dentin Sensitivity, Double-Blind Method, Fluorides, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Phosphates, Rhus, Toothbrushing