Nanoanalysis Tool Used to Evaluate Hypersensitivity Toothpaste

Dr. Bicuspid
Nanotechnology Now

High magnification FESEM image of demineralized dentin control.

High magnification FESEM image of dentin treated with Clinpro 5000 after acid challenge. Mineral deposits visibly block the tubules.

Westmont, IL (February 13, 2011) – McCrone Associates, Inc. conducted nanoscale analysis that provided Indiana Nanotech and 3M ESPE with visual proof for patient-reported hypersensitivity benefits of its professional-strength toothpaste.

Teeth hypersensitivity is a sharp, momentary pain felt when nerves in the dentin are exposed to stimuli such as hot or cold drinks. Toothpastes that claim to relieve the pain of sensitive teeth are believed to work by blocking the tubules in the dentin that lead to the nerves.

The analysis was published in the December 2011 issue of American Journal of Dentistry by Dr. Robert Karlinsey, Indiana Nanotech’s CEO. Dr. Karlinsey discovered that Clinpro toothpaste, which contains a fluoride-compatible tricalcium phosphate system he invented, was the most effective at filling the tubules in a comparison with four leading brands.

With the published findings, the dental community now has visual evidence of Clinpro’s patient-reported hypersensitivity benefits.

Dr. Karlinsey’s conclusion was made possible by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imagery performed at McCrone Associates. It was there that senior research scientist and a co-author of the AJD paper, Craig Schwandt, Ph.D., analyzed demineralized dentin treated with various toothpastes to determine if Clinpro could form mineral deposits in the tubules.

“Craig delivered high quality images,” said Dr. Karlinsey. “I loved working with him and I would use McCrone Associates again.”

Using FESEM, Dr. Schwandt showed that Clinpro products promoted mineral deposits in the dentin tubules. The deposits were also resistant to acid, which, for instance, can take the form as an acidic beverage like coffee, or be generated as a byproduct of bacteria as it breaks down sugar in the mouth. FESEM also revealed that the other toothpastes only exhibited moderate abilities to block the tubules, and none of their deposits were acid resistant.

“Field emission SEM is an easy and fast way to inspect samples at the nanoscale,” said Dr. Schwandt.