Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) arises from exposed dentine as a result of various stimuli. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of three commercially available toothpastes in the reduction of dentine hypersensitivity.

149 participants (72 males and 77 females; aged 20 to 60 years) were randomised to four groups:-

• Group 1-toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate (n= 40);
• Group 2-toothpaste containing 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate with fused silica(n=40);
• Group 3-toothpaste containing 3.85% amine fluoride (n=40); and
• Group 4- a placebo toothpaste( n=40).

Patients with DH in at least two teeth with a visual analogue scale (VAS) score ≥ 4 were included.  Sensitivity was assessed with a controlled air stimulus (evaporative stimulus) and cold water (thermal stimulus) using a 10 cm VAS  (10=excruciating pain). Mean VAS scores were compared at baseline, 2 weeks and 6 weeks.

• All groups showed a reduction in sensitivity scores at 2 weeks and 6 weeks.
• Group 2 resulted in more improvement at 2 weeks and 6 weeks compared to the other groups

The authors concluded

The calcium sodium phosphosilicate group showed a better reduction in the symptoms of dentine hypersensitivity.

Comment

We have previously highlighted a review of this topic (Dental Elf 4th Sept 2012), which indicated that apparently most ‘active’ treatments show benefits.  Although, earlier reviews  (Dental Elf 11^th June 2012) did not show significant benefits. While this current trial does show a benefit, good improvements are also seen in the placebo group. This trial itself is of short duration and the quality of the studies in the earlier reviews have been questioned so are the studies we are doing studies are well enough designed and executed  to identify real treatment benefits for this relatively common dental problem?

Links

Pradeep, A., Agarwal, E., Naik, S., Bajaj, P. and Kalra, N. (2012), Comparison of efficacy of three commercially available dentrifices on dentinal hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial. Australian Dental Journal. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2012.01726.x [Correction added on 16 October 2012, after first online publication: Author list and affiliations have been corrected.]

Dental Elf  4^th Sept 2012

Dental Elf  11^th June 2012