Controlled trial of the action of a toothpaste containing nicomethanol hydrofluoride in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity

Comparative evaluation of fluorinol and calcium sodium phosphosilicate-containing toothpastes in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most commonly encountered clinical problems. Various desensitizing agents have been widely used in the management of dentin hypersensitivity. Fluorinol, a fluoride-containing agent, has shown to be effective in fluoridating the hydroxyapatite crystal and thus reduce enamel solubility. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate mechanically occludes open tubules and releases calcium and phosphorous to remineralize tooth structure.

OBJECTIVE

To compare and assess the efficacy of fluorinol-containing toothpaste with 7.5% sodium calcium phosphosilicate-containing toothpaste in reducing dentin hypersensitivity.

METHODOLOGY

Thorough oral prophylaxis was done, and the patients were subjected to the washout phase, after which they were randomly allocated to the two study groups, Group A-fluorinol-containing toothpaste, Group B-sodium calcium phosphosilicate-containing toothpaste. Patients were recalled on 2^nd , 3^rd and 4^th weeks, and sensitivity was assessed using VAS scores by means of tactile, evaporative and cold water stimuli. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using OHIP-14 questionnaire at baseline and 4 weeks.

RESULT

Compared to baseline, there was a significant decrease in dentin hypersensitivity in both the groups. The VAS scores for tactile stimuli were significantly lower in group A at 3^rd and 4^th weeks.

CONCLUSION

Fluorinol-containing toothpaste was shown to be effective in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity. Hence, it can be used routinely in the management of dentin hypersensitivity.

The efficacy of strontium and potassium toothpastes in treating dentine hypersensitivity: a systematic review

Objectives. The aim of the present paper was to review the published literature in order to identify all relevant studies for inclusion and to determine whether there was any evidence of the efficacy of strontium and potassium toothpastes in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity (DH). Methods. Following a review of 94 relevant papers both from searching electronic databases (PUBMED) and hand searching of relevant written journals, 13 studies were identified, and 7 papers (1 for strontium-based toothpastes and 6 for potassium-based toothpastes) were finally accepted for inclusion. The main outcome measures were the methodology and assessment used by Investigators in studies designed to evaluate DH. Results. The results of the present paper would indicate that the reported efficacy of both strontium- and potassium-based toothpastes in relieving DH is questionable. Conclusions. The results from the present paper would appear to support the conclusions of previous investigators that there is only minimal evidence for the efficacy of both strontium- and potassium-based toothpastes in relieving symptoms of DH.

Potassium containing toothpastes for dentine hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Dentine hypersensitivity may be defined as the pain arising from exposed dentine, typically in response to external stimuli, and which cannot be explained by any other form of dental disease. Many treatment regimens have been recommended over the years, and in recent years particular attention has been focused on toothpastes containing various potassium salts.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of potassium containing toothpastes with control toothpastes in reducing dentine hypersensitivity.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The following databases were searched: Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (searched until August 2005); CENTRAL (until August 2005); EMBASE/MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science (until September 2005). Bibliographies of clinical studies and reviews identified in the electronic search were checked for studies published outside the electronically searched journals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which the effect on dentine hypersensitivity of potassium containing toothpastes was tested against non-potassium containing control toothpastes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two of the review authors independently recorded the results of the included trials using a specially designed form. Sensitivity was assessed by using thermal, tactile, air blast, and subjective methods.

MAIN RESULTS

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis which showed the statistically significant effect of potassium nitrate toothpaste on air blast and tactile sensitivity at the 6 to 8 weeks follow up, e.g. the meta-analysis of air blast sensitivity showed a standardized mean difference in sensitivity score of -1.25 (95% CI: -1.65 to -0.851) in favour of treatment. The subjective assessment failed to show a significant effect at the 6 to 8 week assessment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence generated by this review is based on a small number of individuals. Furthermore, the effect varies with the methods applied for assessing the sensitivity. Thus no clear evidence is available for the support of potassium containing toothpastes for dentine hypersensitivity.

Assessment of pain in cervical dentinal sensitivity studies. A review

Traditionally cervical dentinal sensitivity (CDS) has been evaluated mainly subjectively on the basis of the individual patient's subjective response, e.g., in the form of verbal rating and visual analogue scales and questionnaires. The stimuli used for evaluating this response can be grouped into 4 main categories: mechanical, chemical, electrical and thermal. This review of the literature, however, indicates that there are problems in evaluating patient subjective response to these various test stimuli used in the assessment and treatment of CDS. Opinions also vary as to the reliability of some of these methods of assessment, although recently, efforts have been made to develop controlled reproducible stimuli more suited to the evaluation of CDS. Currently no single method of eliciting and assessing CDS may be considered ideal. Further research is required to evaluate suitable methodology for the quantification of realistic test stimuli under controlled clinical conditions, whereby the subjective response may be objectively measured by the investigator.