Tooth Dentinal Tubule Blockage Studies

Tooth dentinal tubule blockage laboratory studies support the development of oral care products that have been formulated to protect against dentine hypersensitivity. In vitro assessments that measure the degree of tubule blockage provide valuable insights to guide product development and evaluate performance. Intertek’s oral care laboratory team has extensive experience in conducting these studies, supporting the development of oral care products and medical devices aimed at managing hypersensitivity.

Why partner with Intertek for dentinal tubule blockage studies?

• Custom dentine sample preparation – discs and blocks (bovine or human) produced in various sizes using precision equipment.
• Advanced imaging – daily scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to capture tubule occlusion.
• Expert grading & analysis – occlusion scored on a 1–5 scale by trained assessors, with statistical comparison across groups.
• Comprehensive reporting – results presented with graphs, tables, images, and full statistical evaluation.
• Bespoke study design – tailored in vitro models to meet specific product development needs.
• Trusted expertise – over 20 years of experience delivering robust, reliable data for oral care product development.
• Total Quality Assurance – a one-source solution supporting efficacy, safety, and innovation in oral care.

Quality Standards & Accreditation

• Intertek Clinical Research Services (CRS) is ISO 9001 accredited, ensuring rigorous quality management across all our studies.
• We are also licensed under the Human Tissue Act 2004 to handle and store human tissue responsibly, following both the Act and local ethical guidelines.
• By working to the spirit of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), we deliver reliable, reproducible results built on integrity, scientific rigor, and regulatory compliance.

Why dentine tubule blockage studies are important

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental condition experienced by many consumers of all ages and innovation in new and effective oral care or dental products, such as toothpaste, which target dental sensitivity is a growing market with an opportunity for strong brand differentiation through a clear demonstration of efficacy. 

Dentine lies beneath the tooth enamel and is characterized by a network of microscopic tubules which extend through to the tooth pulp chamber and its supply of nerves. External stimuli (heat, cold, pressure) on exposed dentine can trigger the nerves causing dentinal hypersensitivity. Dentine hypersensitivity can be alleviated by physically blocking the tubules using specially-formulated toothpaste or mouthwash. The relative efficacy of different products often requires rapid evaluation to guide the development of new and existing formulations cost-effectively. The degree of blockage can be assessed in vitro by brushing specimens of human dentine with paste slurry and then subjectively grading Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of the surface.

Our Tooth Dentinal Tubule Blockage Study Approach

Within our dedicated oral care lab we can produce dentine discs and blocks (bovine or human) in a variety of shapes and sizes using our range of abraders, wafering saws, lapping and polishing machines. The dentine is acid-etched to remove the smear layer and open up the tubules. Several samples are then assigned to each treatment group and can be brushed manually using an electric toothbrush together with your specified toothpaste(s). After each successive day of brushing samples can be examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and images can be recorded for subjective analysis.

Images are graded by trained and calibrated assessors on a scale of 1 to 5 for the degree of occlusion. Means are calculated for each group of samples and results are statistically compared and presented in a comprehensive report that includes graphs, tables, data and images.

In Vitro Dentine Tubule Occlusion Studies Video