Dentinal Tubule Blocking Property Of A Herb Found In Nepal

We aimed to assess the dentinal tubule-blocking property of Oxalis corniculata in extracted teeth to generate evidence for using this herb in relieving dentinal hypersensitivity After obtaining ethical clearance from the Nepal Health Research Council, ten teeth indicated for extraction were collected, cleaned, and fixed with 10% formalin. One mm cross-section of the collected tooth was made and then stored in commercially available artificial saliva (Wet mouth). Dentin exposure was made on the sectioned tooth with 17% EDTA etching for 2 minutes. The paste was prepared freshly from the leaves of Oxallis corniculata herb using a pestle and mortar. Paste application was not carried out for the lingual halves. Both halves of the tooth section were dried and then gold coated to be analyzed for dentinal tubules using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) (S-3500N EMAX-7000 S-798xI 19652402M Horiba Techno Service, Ltd. Japan). SEM analysis produced a two-dimensional image with a magnification of x1000. Occlusion of the exposed dentinal tubules was observed in all the tooth sections where Oxallis corniculata paste was applied. Dentinal tubules without occlusions were observed in the controls. Although further studies are needed in terms of the depth of tubule blockage after the application of this paste, this herb holds the potential to be used as a major constituent of the desensitizing agent.