Home-use agents in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: clinical effectiveness evaluation with different measurement methods.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of home-use desensitizing agents over an 8-week period by comparing them using different measurement methods.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 180 individuals aged between 18 and 70 who clinically diagnosed dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in two or more non-adjacent teeth. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria (n = 164) were randomly allocated into five test groups-using Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), Arginine, Novamin, Propolis, and Potassium nitrate-and a control group using standard fluoride toothpaste. The status of DH was assessed at week 4 and week 8 by the same independent examiner. Changes from baseline in Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire-15 (DHEQ-15), Schiff Sensitivity Scale (SSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were analysed using ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

All test groups showed statistically significant improvements in DH at weeks 4 and 8 compared to baseline in the DHEQ-15, VAS, and SSS assessments (p < 0.005). In the control group, significant improvements were observed only in the VAS and SSS measurements from baseline to weeks 8 (p < 0.005). The CPP-ACP group demonstrated the greatest reduction in scores by the end of week 8 compared to baseline, with DHEQ-15 (56.68 ± 17.87), VAS (6.52 ± 1.48), and SSS (2.32 ± 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the tested agents, the CPP-ACP group demonstrated the most notable reduction in DH symptoms by week 8, highlighting its potential as an effective method for alleviating DH symptoms in a home-use agents.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Home-use desensitizing agents are effective in the treatment of DH, improving the daily activities of patients who cannot access clinical care and ensuring the relief of DH before clinical invasive procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06216262.