Nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste as a treatment for dentine hypersensitivity

Abstract

Introduction: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common and painful clinical occurrence that can negatively impact patients' quality of life. An arsenal of different desensitizing molecules is available on the market, but no gold standard has yet to be set. Aim: The aim of this study was to perform a review on the potential of nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) as a desensitizing toothpaste agent as opposed to placebo or other desensitizing molecules. Materials and Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, an electronic search of the PubMed database was conducted from inception up until May 2021. Seven English written randomized controlled trials about the use of n-HA toothpaste in treating adults with DH were assessed for quality via the modified Jadad scale, and included in the review. Non-English studies, publications involving lasers, and studies researching the effect of n-HA on gingival inflammation or postwhitening sensitivity were all excluded. Results and Discussion: Available evidence suggests that n-HA is a promising addition to the growing arsenal of desensitizing treatments available on the market. Conclusion: n-HA remains a viable everyday option that dentists should strongly consider for their patients' pain relief. However, due to the heterogeneity of pain studies and the lack of standardization in trial protocols, no evidence of superiority to other desensitizing agents can be ascertained, thus far.