Air Blast Stimuli Research Articles

Evaluation of Three Methods for the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomised Clinical Trial

ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of Gluma and high-power 980-nm diode laser, alone or in combination, in the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity. MethodsA total of 20 patients (5 men and 15 women), aged 25 to 60 years, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in this study. A total of 60 teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups: G1, 980 nm diode laser (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G2, Gluma (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G3, 980 nm diode laser plus Gluma; and G4: control. Thermal (cold spray) and air blast (air syringe of dental unit) stimuli were used to evaluate cervical dentin hypersensitivity in the patients. Their pain response was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment (baseline), in the first treatment session (15 minutes after treatment), in the second treatment session (after 1 week), and in 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up sessions. The obtained data were analysed using non-parametric tests, including Kruskal–Wallis test, Friedman test, Mann–Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test, in SPSS Version 22 at a significance level of P < .05. ResultsBased on the results, there was a significant difference in the average VAS scores for cold and air blast stimuli between the 4 groups 1 month after the intervention (P < .05). Meanwhile, the laser group had the lowest VAS score for cold and air stimuli. On the contrary, no significant difference was found between the 4 groups 3 months after the intervention (P ˃ .05). ConclusionThe present results showed that 980-nm diode laser alone was more effective than the other 2 intervention methods for 1 month. Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120901010703N5).

The prevalence, clinical features, and related factors of dentin hypersensitivity in the Turkish population

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and predisposing and etiologic factors of dentin hypersensitivity (DH), as well as the demographic characteristics of patients. The 1210 patients were examined. The research was based on a two-step investigation: questionnaire and clinical examination. DH was evaluated by the response of the patient to tactile and air-blast stimuli. Loss of attachment and gingival recession of sensitive teeth was measured on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Also, the tooth wear of sensitive teeth was graded on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Comparisons of nonnormally distributed continuous variables were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunn's post hoc test. Comparisons of categorical variables were performed using Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact chi-square, Yates's chi-square, and the Monte Carlo chi-square test. One hundred twenty-four patients reported DH, showing a prevalence for self-reported DH of 10.2%. Eight hundred forty teeth were diagnosed as having DH, giving a clinical diagnosis rate of DH of 29.4%. Females (76.8%), the 31-40years age group (26%), housewives (36.8%), and high school education level (38%) had the highest prevalence of DH as demographic properties. A cold stimulus was the most common stimuli trigger for hypersensitivity (97.1%). Occasional pain (55.5%) showed the highest prevalence in terms of frequency of DH. A higher rate of DH was found with the use of medium brushes (47.4%) and brushing twice per day (59.4%) for 1-2min (56.2%) with the circular method (33.8%) as oral hygiene habits. The buccal surface of the lower right central incisors (5.7%) had the highest prevalence. The most affected teeth by DH were incisors (38.4%). The buccal surfaces (86.3%) of teeth showed a higher high prevalence of DH compared with the lingual surface (52.7%), similar to gingival recession (40.9% vs. 15.7%) and loss of attachment (68.3% vs. 42.6%). Clinically diagnosed DH was more common than self-reported DH. Some factors related to patients such as sex (female), the 31-40years age group, housewives, high school students, using medium brushes, brushing twice per day, and the circular brushing method were more likely to have a risk for DH. Also, buccal surfaces of teeth, gingival recession, and loss of attachment on the buccal surface of teeth should be considered as predisposing factors for DH. To control and prevent DH, clinicians should consider patients' demographics, predisposing factors, and etiologic factors.

Laser therapy for dentinal hypersensitivity.

Dentinal hypersensitivity is characterized by short, sharp pain from exposed dentine that occurs in response to external stimuli such as cold, heat, osmotic, tactile or chemicals, and cannot be explained by any other form of dental defect or pathology. Laser therapy has become a commonly used intervention and might be effective for dentinal hypersensitivity. To assess the effects of in-office employed lasers versus placebo laser, placebo agents or no treatment for relieving pain of dentinal hypersensitivity. Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 20 October 2020), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library 2020, Issue 9), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 20 October 2020), Embase Ovid (1980 to 20 October 2020), CINAHL EBSCO (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; 1937 to 20 October 2020), and LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database; from 1982 to 20 October 2020). Conference proceedings were searched via the ISI Web of Science and ZETOC, and OpenGrey was searched for grey literature. The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which in-office lasers were compared to placebo or no treatment on patients aged above 12 years with tooth hypersensitivity. Two review authors independently and in duplicate screened the search results, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Disagreement was resolved by discussion. For continuous outcomes, we used mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We conducted meta-analyses only with studies of similar comparisons reporting the same outcome measures. We assessed the overall certainty of the evidence using GRADE. We included a total of 23 studies with 936 participants and 2296 teeth. We assessed five studies at overall low risk of bias, 13 at unclear, and five at high risk of bias. 17 studies contributed data to the meta-analyses. We divided the studies into six subgroups based on the type of laser and the primary outcome measure. We assessed the change in intensity of pain using quantitative pain scale (visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0 to 10 (no pain to worst possible pain)) when tested through air blast and tactile stimuli in three categories of short (0 to 24 hours), medium (more than 24 hours to 2 months), and long term (more than 2 months). Results demonstrated that compared to placebo or no treatment the application of all types of lasers combined may reduce pain intensity when tested through air blast stimuli at short term (MD -2.24, 95% CI -3.55 to -0.93; P = 0.0008; 13 studies, 978 teeth; low-certainty evidence), medium term (MD -2.46, 95% CI -3.57 to -1.35; P < 0.0001; 11 studies, 1007 teeth; very low-certainty evidence), and long term (MD -2.60, 95% CI -4.47 to -0.73; P = 0.006; 5 studies, 564 teeth; very low-certainty evidence). Similarly, compared to placebo or no treatment the application of all types of lasers combined may reduce pain intensity when tested through tactile stimuli at short term (MD -0.67, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.03; P = 0.04; 8 studies, 506 teeth; low-certainty evidence) and medium term (MD -1.73, 95% CI -3.17 to -0.30; P = 0.02; 9 studies, 591 teeth; very low-certainty evidence). However, there was insufficient evidence of a difference in pain intensity for all types of lasers when tested through tactile stimuli in the long term (MD -3.52, 95% CI -10.37 to 3.33; P = 0.31; 2 studies, 184 teeth; very low-certainty evidence). Most included studies assessed adverse events and reported that no obvious adverse events were observed during the trials. No studies investigated the impact of laser treatment on participants' quality of life. Limited and uncertain evidence from meta-analyses suggests that the application of laser overall may improve pain intensity when tested through air blast or tactile stimuli at short, medium, or long term when compared to placebo/no treatment. Overall, laser therapy appears to be safe. Future studies including well-designed double-blinded RCTs are necessary to further investigate the clinical efficacy of lasers as well as their cost-effectiveness.

A randomized clinical trial of dentin hypersensitivity reduction over one month after a single topical application of comparable materials

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a condition that causes patient discomfort. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Gluma, fluoride varnish and Tetric N-Bond self-etch system in relieving DH immediately and over 30 days following a single topical application. The present randomized clinical trial was conducted on 55 patients with an age range 20–49 years. 70 teeth in total were incorporated and randomly assigned to the three groups. Parameters examined were: Tactile, air blast, and cold stimuli. VAS was used to assess tactile stimulus whereas the Schiff Cold Scale for air blast and cold stimuli. DH was evaluated immediately, at two weeks and 1 month follow up. Gluma showed a statistically significant reduction in DH scores over other materials. It was concluded that Gluma have statistically significant results over other materials in relieving DH immediately and over 30 days following a single topical application.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT04351412, King Abdulaziz University Protocol Record 129-09-19. Registered 17 April 2020 – Retrospectively registered. http://ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04351412.

Ameloblastoma ex COC: An enigma to clinicians and Pathologists

Background and Aim: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common oral health problem affecting one or more teeth of many adult individuals globally. It is characterized by a sharp pain which arises from exposed dentin in response to an external stimulus, and cannot be explained by any other form of dental pathology. Several agents and treatment modalities have been used in the treatment of this condition. The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of arginine calcium carbonate paste (Test group) versus potassium nitrate (Control group) in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. Subjects and Methods: A total of 66 cases were randomly divided into two groups based on the toothpaste given: Test group - toothpaste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate, Control group - toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate. The patients’ DH scores for tactile stimuli was recorded on a visual analog scale and airblast stimuli was recorded on a Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity scale at baseline, immediately post scaling after application of desensitizing paste, 1 month after commencing the use of desensitizing paste, and 1 month following cessation of its use . Statistical Analysis: The data was analyzed using Independent t test (P < 0.05). Results: Both the toothpastes were effective in relieving dentinal hypersensitivity. However, toothpaste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate showed a better clinical response at the end of 2 months evaluation. Conclusions: The desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate showed instant and long lasting reduction in the symptoms of DH.

Effect of a stannous fluoride toothpaste on dentinal hypersensitivity: In vitro and clinical evaluation

BackgroundThe authors conducted an in vitro and a clinical study to assess the effect of a toothpaste containing stannous fluoride to occlude dentin tubules and reduce dentinal hypersensitivity. MethodsFor the in vitro study, the authors treated the surface of human dentin specimens with test or control toothpaste slurries and then evaluated them by using various spectroscopic techniques. For the clinical study, male and female participants who met the inclusion criteria brushed their teeth twice daily for 1 minute with test or control toothpaste. The authors assessed dentinal hypersensitivity by using tactile and air blast stimuli at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks. All statistical tests of hypotheses were 2 sided, with a significance level of α set at .05. ResultsResults from in vitro studies showed that the test toothpaste effectively occluded the dentinal tubules with a deposit consisting of tin, zinc, phosphate, and silicon. The test and control toothpastes occluded the tubules 82% and 35%, respectively. Clinically, at the 4- and 8-week examinations, the test toothpaste provided statistically significant (P < .001) improvements in tactile dentinal hypersensitivity scores of 27.8% and 42.0% and in air blast hypersensitivity scores of 21.4% and 32.3%, respectively, relative to the control toothpaste. ConclusionsThe in vitro results indicate the toothpaste containing 0.454% stannous fluoride effectively coated dentin surfaces and occluded patent dentin tubules. Compared with the control toothpaste, the test toothpaste provided a significant reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity after 8 weeks of product use. Practical ImplicationsA multi-benefit option for patients with dentinal hypersensitivity.

Comparison of two desensitizing agents for decreasing dentin hypersensitivity following periodontal surgeries: a randomized clinical trial.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common problem with multifactorial etiology. It is characterized by a short, sharp pain due to exposed dentin usually at the cervical margin. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two desensitizing agents for reduction of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) following periodontal surgeries. This study evaluated 96 patients who had one or two teeth with DH (120 teeth). The teeth were randomly allocated into four groups for treatment with 10% ethanolic extract of propolis (group 1), 30% ethanolic extract of propolis (group 2), Single Bond Universal dentin bonding agent (group 3), and distilled water as placebo (group 4). The degree of DH was determined according to the patients' response to tactile and air blast stimuli using a visual analog scale (VAS). The level of pain was also recorded before treatment and at 1, 7, 14, 21, 60 and 90 days after the treatment. All interventions (groups 1 to 3) were significantly effective in decreasing DH, and 10% and 30% ethanolic extracts of propolis were equally effective. The dentin bonding agent was completely effective at all time points. All three interventions (groups 1 to 3) effectively decreased DH at 60 and 90 days. This clinical trial showed all interventions were more effective than the placebo in decreasing DH. The tested propolis extracts were equally effective irrespective of their concentration. Application of Single Bond Universal had a fast relieving effect on DH. Propolis extracts and dentin bonding agent were equally effective in relieving DH in the long term. DH following periodontal surgery causes patient discomfort and hinders everyday activities. Propolis is a natural desensitizing agent with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, healing effects, and cariostatic activity. It also stimulates reparative dentin formation. Flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives are the main biologically active components in the composition of propolis. According to the results of this study, application of propolis is recommended for patients with mild or moderate pain. Dentin bonding agent could be a better choice when immediate effect is needed.

A comparative evaluation to assess the efficacy of 5% sodium fluoride varnish and diode laser and their combined application in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

Background:Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is an age old complaint with a great number of treatment modalities, but none of these are totally effective till date. Lasers being one of the latest treatment options in periodontics, a study was conducted to test the efficacy of diode laser (DL) in DH alone and in comparison with 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish.Aim:The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of 5% topical NaF varnish and 980 nm gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) DL alone and combination of 5% NaF + 980 nm GaAlAs DL in the management of DH.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on 120 teeth in thirty patients with DH assessed by tactile and air blast (AB) stimuli measured by visual analog scale (VAS). Teeth were randomly divided into Group 1 (P) placebo-treated control group, Group 2 (NaF) treated by 5% NaF varnish, Group 3 (DL) treated with 980 nm DL, and Group 4 (NaF + DL) treated with both 5% NaF varnish and 980 nm DL (combination group).Results:There was a significant reduction in DH. The VAS reduction percentages were calculated, and there was a significant decrease in DH above all in G4 (NaF + DL) than G3 (DL) and G2 (NaF).Conclusion:Even though all the three groups (2, 3, and 4) showed improvement in terms of DH reduction, 5% NaF varnish with DL showed the best results among all the groups.

Effectiveness of 8% proargin containing toothpaste in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity

Objective: This randomized control clinical trial was conducted to study the effectiveness of 8% proargin containing toothpaste in the control of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) over a period of 4 weeks. Materials and Methods: 40 subjects with established DH were selected. DH was evaluated using thermal, air blast and tactile stimuli. Subjects were randomly divided into study and control groups and were advised to use commercially available 8% proargin (Mfd by-Colgate Palmolive (India) Ltd, Plot No. 78, EPIP Phase I, Jharmajri, Bddi, Tehsil Nalagarh, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh 174103) containing toothpaste and commercially available desensitizing toothpaste containing 2% potassium ion respectively. Subjects response was evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after the application. Conclusion: When used over a period of 4 weeks, 8% proargin containing toothpaste provided significantly greater relief.

Effects of the iontophoresis of lignocaine with epinephrine into exposed dentine on the sensitivity of the dentine in man

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of the iontophoretic application of lignocaine and epinephrine to exposed dentine on the sensitivity of the dentine in human subjects. DesignThe experiments were carried out on 13 healthy premolars (13 subjects) that were scheduled for extraction. Dentine was exposed at the tip of the buccal cusp by cutting a cavity which was etched with 35% phosphoric acid. The sensitivity of the dentine was tested with probing and air blast stimuli. The subject indicated the intensity of any pain produced with a score of 0–100. In 7 teeth, the cavity was filled with a solution containing 20% (w/v) lignocaine HCl and 0.1% (w/v) epinephrine HCl, and an iontophoretic current of 120μA was passed for 90s. The sensitivity of the dentine was tested before and immediately after the treatment and then at 10min. intervals for 40min. Pulpal blood flow was recorded at each stage. Control experiments were carried out on 6 teeth using a solution containing only the epinephrine. ResultsThe lignocaine plus epinephrine solution completely blocked the pain produced by both forms of stimulus immediately, and this continued for at least 40min. It also produced an immediate fall in pulpal blood flow that also lasted for at least 40min. The epinephrine solution had the same effect on pulpal blood flow but no effect on dentine sensitivity. ConclusionsThe topical application of 20% lignocaine and 0.1% epinephrine, with an iontophoretic current of 120μA for 90s, will anaesthetize exposed, normal, dentine.

The iontophoresis of lignocaine with epinephrine into carious dentine for pain control during cavity preparation in human molars

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of the iontophoretic delivery of lignocaine with epinephrine through carious dentine for pain control during cavity preparation. DesignThe experiments were carried out on 56 carious molars that required class I restorations in 42 subjects (aged 15–20 years). The overhanging enamel and soft caries were removed then the sensitivity of the exposed dentine was tested with drilling, probing and air blast stimuli. The subject indicated the intensity of any pain produced by marking a visual analogue scale (VAS). The cavity was then filled with 20% w/v lidocaine with 0.1% w/v epinephrine and a 200μA iontophoretic current applied for 2min after which the sensitivity of the dentine was re-tested. If the dentine was not anaesthetized, the treatment and testing were repeated up to 6 times. ResultsThe total duration (min) of iontophoresis required to anaesthetize the dentine was: 2 in 7 teeth, 4 in 17 teeth, 6 in 14 teeth, 8 in 4 teeth, and 10 in 7 teeth. The remaining 7 teeth were not anaesthetized even after 14min of iontophoresis. ConclusionsThe iontophoretic delivery of lignocaine with epinephrine anaesthetized dentine for cavity preparation in 49 of 56 (87.5%) of carious molars.

Clinical Evaluation of self and professionally applied desensitizing agents in relieving dentin hypersensitivity after a single topical application: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of self and professionally applied desensitizing agents in relieving dentinal hypersensitivity after single direct topical application. Study Design: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted among 57 patients. 8% Arginine paste was self-applied by the subject and Gluma desensitizer was applied by investigator. Numeric rating scale was used to measure hypersensitivity after tactile stimulus, Schiff scale was used for cold and air blast stimuli respectively. Scores were recorded at baseline, immediately, 15 and 30 days after the application. Friedman, Wilcoxon test as post hoc was used to analyze within group differences, between group differences analyzed using Mann Whitney U test (P<0.05 considered significant). Results: 8% Arginine paste elicited significantly higher reductions in sensitivity (P<0.05) than that of Gluma group at all follow ups. There was a significant decrease in hypersensitivity for both the groups from baseline till final follow-up (P<0.05) for all three stimuli. 8% Arginine paste was found to be more effective than Gluma desensitizer in providing immediate relief from dentine hypersensitivity and also sustained the effect significantly for a period of 30 days. Conclusions: Self applied 8% Arginine paste is effective than professionally applied Gluma desensitizer in relieving dentinal hypersensitivity immediately and over a period of one month. Key words:Dentine hypersensitivity, arginine, gluma, desensitizing agents.

A clinical efficacy of 30% ethenolic extract of Indian propolis and Recaldent™ in management of dentinal hypersensitivity: A comparative randomized clinical trial.

Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 30% ethenolic extract of Indian propolis compared with Recaldent™ (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate) in reduction of dentinals hypersensitivity, a randomized, double-blind, split mouth, controlled clinical trial was conducted among the patients residing in Central Jail.Materials and Methods:A sample of 73 teeth from 13 patients having at least three teeth with dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: Group A: 30% ethenolic extract of Indian propolis, Group B: Recaldent™, Group C: Sterile water. Verbal rating scale was used to record the degree of hypersensitivity based on patient's response to tactile and air blast stimuli. The baseline scores were obtained. Each intervention group received applications of their respective agents consecutively on 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st day. After each application the scores were recorded.Results:Both the 30% Indian propolis and Recaldent™ showed significant reduction in DH.Conclusion:Recaldent™ was found to be significantly better in reducing the DH compared to propolis and sterile water (P < 0.01).

Effect of the topical application of 50% lignocaine hydrochloride on the sensitivity of dentine in man

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of topical applications of 50% (w/v) lignocaine HCl on the sensitivity of human dentine. DesignThe experiments were carried out on 12 premolars scheduled for extraction as part of orthodontic treatment in nine subjects (ages: 16–29 years). Dentine was exposed by cutting a cavity at the tip of the buccal cusp of each tooth, and etched with 35% phosphoric acid. The sensitivity of the exposed dentine to probing and air-blast stimuli was assessed before and after applying either 50% (w/v) lignocaine HCl solution or distilled water to the exposed dentine for 10min. Changes in the sensitivity of the dentine were monitored for up to 160min. The subject indicated the intensity of any pain produced by marking a 100mm visual analogue scale (VAS). ResultsBefore treatment, both forms of stimulus evoked pain in all the teeth. The median VAS score with probing was 40mm and, with air-blast stimulation, 30mm. 50% lignocaine HCl produced a progressive fall in these scores and after 30min there was no response to either probing or air-blast stimulation. The responses started to return 30–160min after the lignocaine had been washed off. Water had no effect. ConclusionsLignocaine will diffuse into exposed dentine and block the pain evoked by probing and air-blast stimuli provided that a sufficiently steep diffusion gradient is created. A topical application of a 50% (w/v) solution of lignocaine HCl for 10min will anaesthetise dentine within 30min.

Possible role for arginine-containing toothpastes in managing dentine hypersensitivity

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline, Embase and LILACS databases were searched. Reference lists of eligible studies and systematic reviews were cross-checked to identify additional studies. Randomised and controlled clinical trials conducted in adults with at least two hypersensitive teeth confirmed by evaporative stimulus or tactile hypersensitivity assessment comparing arginine-containing desensitising toothpastes to non-arginine-containing control toothpastes were included. Data abstraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers and a qualitative summary presented. Two randomised trials met the criteria; both showed a positive effect on dentine hypersensitivity in response to tactile and air-blast stimuli. No subjective measures of sensitivity were reported. Data identified indicate a potential role for arginine-containing toothpastes in managing dentine hypersensitivity. However, this conclusion is based on small sample sizes and the studies identified did not follow patients up in the medium to long term. The authors recommend that there is a need for well-designed RCTs to be conducted prior to any definitive recommendations being made.

Effect of Two Desensitizing Agents in Reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity: An in-vivo Comparative Clinical Trial.

A randomized, double blind, split mouth, controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of two desensitizing agents on reduction of Dentin Hypersensitivity (DH). A sample of 73 teeth from 13 patients, among which at least 3 teeth had dentin hypersensitivity, was randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups: Group A: treated with 30% ethenolic extract of Indian Propolis, Group B: treated with GC tooth mousse, and Group C: treated with sterile water. A Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) was used to record the degree of hypersensitivity, based on patient's response to tactile and air blast stimuli. The baseline scores were obtained. Each intervention group received applications of their respective agents consecutively on 1(st), 7(th), 14(th) and 21(st) days. After each application, the scores were recorded. Both the 30% Indian Propolis and GC tooth mousse showed significant reductions in dentin hypersensitivity. GC tooth mousse was found to be significantly better in reducing the dentinal hypersensitivity as compared to Propolis and sterile water (p< 0.01).

The effect of applying potassium chloride solutions at atmospheric pressure on the sensitivity of dentine in man

Objective To determine the effects of applying KCl solutions to exposed dentine at atmospheric pressure on pain evoked by probing and air blast stimuli in human subjects. Design The experiments were carried out on 24 premolars in 16 subjects (aged 16–30 years). A cavity (diameter 3 mm, depth 3 mm) was cut at the tip of the buccal cusp and etched with 35% orthophosphoric acid. The cavity was filled with 500, 250 mmol/l KCl or 500 mmol/l NaCl for 10 min, after which it was rinsed with normal saline. Each solution was tested in 8 teeth. Air blast and probing stimuli were applied to the exposed dentine prior to dentine treatment and at 0, 2, 5, 10, and 20 min after treatment. After each stimulus the subject indicated the intensity of the pain evoked on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results In teeth treated with 250 or 500 mmol/l KCl, the mean VAS response to air blast stimuli was significantly decreased at 5 and 10 min after treatment. The mean VAS response to probing was significantly decreased 10 min after treatment with 500 mmol/l KCl. Otherwise there were no significant changes. Conclusion Topical application to exposed dentine of solutions containing a high concentration of potassium ions at atmospheric pressure produce a temporary reduction in the sensitivity of dentine to air blast and probing stimuli.

Effects of potassium ions on dentine sensitivity in man

Objective To determine the effect of applying 500 mmol/l KCl at a pressure of 150 mm Hg above atmospheric to exposed dentine on pain sensation evoked by probing and air blast stimuli in human subjects. Design The experiments were carried out on 14 pairs of premolars in 14 human subjects (aged 17–30 years). Dentine was exposed at the tip of the buccal cusp, etched with acid and covered with saline, then 500 mmol/l KCl in Ringer's was applied at a pressure of 150 mm Hg for 4 min. Mechanical probing and air-drying stimuli were performed before and 2, 10, 20, 30 min after applying the KCl solution. The subject indicated the intensity of any pain produced on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Pulpal blood flow was recorded with a laser Doppler flow meter. Exactly the same procedure was carried out on the contralateral tooth except that 500 mmol/l NaCl in Ringer's was used in place of the KCl solution. Results The pain responses to mechanical probing and air blast stimuli were significantly reduced during the first 10 min after applying the KCl but not the NaCl solution. Pulpal blood flow did not change significantly after either treatment. Conclusion Potassium ions, when applied to exposed dentine at a pressure of 150 mm Hg above atmospheric, produced temporary block of impulse conduction in sensory nerve endings in the dentine or pulp.