Review on Theobromine: An Alternative to Fluorides in Treating Dentinal Hypersensitivity
Shailee Chandak
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
Priyanka Paul Madhu *
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
Kumar Gaurav Chhabra
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
Amit Reche
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
Gopika Mahure
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
Shefali Giri
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
Manoj Chandak
Department of Conservative and Endodontic, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, DMIMS (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha-442001, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Theobromine is a unique constituent that can help dentistry and general health in the future. The generic name of theobroma is obtained from two Greek words i.e., Theo and Broma, which means “food of the gods". It can be found in cocoa beans and chocolates. Theodent toothpaste harness the power of cocoa. Rennou, the main component in Theodent, is a unique compound that combines theobromine, calcium, and phosphate to enhance enamel remineralization. This article is to review the effectiveness of theobromine in blocking dentinal tubules by preventing dentinal hypersensitivity, and its positive effects on general health. Various researches and valid documents were reviewed by us. Several studies have been conducted that shows theobromine is effective in blocking dentinal tubules, thus preventing dentinal hypersensitivity as well as tooth demineralization. It also has other general health benefits. Because of its potent vasodilation, diuretic and heart stimulant effect, theobromine can also be used in treating high blood pressure. It also aids in opening of airways and helps in preventing kidney stones. The use of fluoride dentifrices is debatable, as it has many detrimental effects. Also, we consider that theobromine if used as a component in dentifrices, if unintentionally swallowed, cause no catastrophic effects.
Keywords: Anticariogenic, caffeine, cementum, dentifrices, dentin, fluorides, hypersensitivity, theobromine