A comparative clinical evaluation of Herbal and synthetic dentifrices in dentinal hyper-sensitivity

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity could be defined as a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to stimuli typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic, or chemical and which cannot be ascribed to any other form of dental defect or pathology. In Ayurveda Dentinal Hypersensitivity can be compared with Dantaharsha. When teeth are sensitized to cold/breeze, hot, dry and sour eatables and have pain and shaky feeling, the condition is called ‘Dantaharsha’. Toothpastes are the most widely used dentifrices for delivering over-the-counter desensitizing agents. The aim study was to evaluate the effect of Herbal dentifrices in Dentinal hypersensitivity. The objective of this study was to prepare palatable formulation of Herbal Dentifrices to maintain oral health and prevent oral pathologies Materials and Methods: In this open-labelled, randomized, controlled study, 60 assenting patients between 18-40 years of age were enrolled and randomized into trial and control groups, after obtaining EC approval and informed consent. Those in the trial group received Herbal dentifrices, control group participants received Synthetic dentifrices. Herbal and synthetic dentifrices given to apply twice a day for 3 wks. Follow up was taken after second week and third week.The duration of treatment was of 21 days. Dentifrice was prepared under all hygienic conditions and safety precautions in GMP certified pharmacy.  Effect in Dentinal hypersensitivity was assessed by scored using VAS on air stimulus and cold-water stimulus and Air Blast Stimulation Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale. Appropriate statistical tests applied to the data to obtain results  Results: On analysis of data generated through clinical assessment, improvement was seen in dentinal hypersensitivity in both the groups. Though synthetic dentifrice showed better results than the herbal one, the trial drug exhibited a promising output in the study. Statistically Group B shows better results in the median Hypersensitivity score on VAS and Air blast stimulation compared to Group A.   Conclusion: In present study, improvement was seen in dentinal hypersensitivity in both the groups. Synthetic dentifrice showed better results than the herbal one. Although the results in the trial group were not disappointing. The results were encouraging enough to use the drug for further research. &nbsp