Bioactive glass products for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically map and synthesize the current scientific evidence on the active ingredients and effectiveness of bioactive glass-containing products for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, and to identify knowledge gaps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and was registered on the Open Science Framework platform. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 2025. Studies of any evidence level investigating bioactive glasses, bioactive glass-ceramics, or related products for dentin hypersensitivity treatment, evaluating parameters like dentinal tubule occlusion, dental remineralization, or pain relief, were included. Descriptive analysis was applied to all included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 72 studies were reviewed, primarily in vitro (n = 46), with randomized clinical trials (n = 17) and reviews (n = 9) also represented. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate was the most analyzed bioactive glass (n = 33), often compared with arginine, nano-hydroxyapatite, potassium nitrate, and strontium acetate formulations. Products were commonly presented as toothpaste (n = 39), powder (n = 14), and gel (n = 6). In vitro studies frequently reported benefits in dentinal tubule occlusion, predominantly assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Clinical studies demonstrated reductions in dentin hypersensitivity-related pain, commonly assessed using air jet or cold-water stimuli combined with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores or the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCSS), with follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 11 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Toothpaste containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate was the most extensively studied bioactive glass-based product for dentin hypersensitivity treatment, with in vitro evidence supporting its effectiveness. Additional clinical research is needed to confirm these findings.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Bioactive glass products show promise in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. Given the variability in composition, evidence-based selection is key to ensuring effective treatment and improving patient outcomes.