Effect of a Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste Stabilized With Nitrate and Phosphates (SNaP) on Dentin Hypersensitivity: In Vitro Study and Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Dentin hypersensitivity is a global oral health concern. This in vitro study and clinical evaluation tested the efficacy of 0.454% stannous fluoride toothpaste stabilized with nitrate and phosphates (SNaP) to occlude dentin and reduce dentin hypersensitivity.

METHODS

Human dentin specimens were treated with test and control toothpaste slurries and evaluated for dentin occlusion. In a phase III randomized controlled trial, eligible participants were randomized to SNaP toothpaste (test group), a potassium nitrate desensitizing dentifrice (positive control), or a non-desensitizing sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice (negative control). Baseline, day 1, day 3, and day 7 dentin hypersensitivity was assessed using tactile and air blast stimuli. Mean tactile and air blast hypersensitivity scores were calculated for each treatment group. For statistical analysis, significance was set to P ≤ .05.

RESULTS

In vitro mean percent tubule occlusion for test and control samples were 86% and 35%, respectively (P less than .05). One-hundred-twenty participants completed the clinical trial. After 7 days of product use, relative to the positive control and negative control groups, the test group exhibited significant reduction in tactile hypersensitivity (79.8% and 90.2%, respectively; P less than .001) and reduction in air blast hypersensitivity (47.1% and 47.9%, respectively; P less than .001). SNaP significantly reduced hypersensitivity pain after 1, 3, and 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro and clinical evaluation results indicate that SNaP is highly effective in coating the dentin surface, occluding exposed dentin tubules, and offering sensitivity relief from the first day of use, a benefit that continues to improve with use.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This multi-benefit formula reduces dentin hypersensitivity, thereby improving the daily lives of patients, promoting better oral health, and potentially helping patients avoid more serious dental problems in the future.