Comparison of 2 desensitizing dentifrices with a commercially available fluoride dentifrice in alleviating cervical dentine sensitivity.

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated efficacy of desensitizing dentifrices containing strontium acetate/sodium fluoride (SrAc2F) and potassium chloride/sodium monofluorophosphate (KCl/MFP) in alleviating discomfort arising from cervical dentine sensitivity (CDS). The aim of this investigation, therefore, was to determine efficacy of a SrAc2F dentifrice compared with KCl/MFP and a commercially available fluoride dentifrice containing sodium fluoride/sodium monofluorophosphate (NaMFP). Fifty-six patients participated in a 2-center double-blind, 3-way comparative parallel 6-week clinical study. Patients were evaluated at 0, 2, and 6 weeks for tactile (Yeaple probe), air sensitivity (dental air syringe), and subjective perception of pain (VAS scores). Results for Yeaple probe scores (Wilcoxon tests) between 2 weeks and baseline were highly significant for KCl/MFP, significant for NaMFP and nonsignificant for SrAc2F; scores between 6 weeks and baseline were, however, highly significant for all groups. Subjective Yeaple probe VAS scores (paired t-tests) between 6 weeks and baseline were significant for all groups; significance was demonstrated in the KCl/MFP group between 2 weeks and baseline. Subjective air visual analogue scores (paired t-tests) between 2 weeks and baseline were highly significant for all groups. There were no significant differences between groups at any time point. The results of the study demonstrated that the commercially available fluoride-containing dentifrice was as effective as the 2 desensitizing dentifrices in alleviating CDS over time.