Comparative efficacy of two dentifrices containing 5% potassium nitrate on dentinal sensitivity: a twelve-week clinical study.

The effect of a dentifrice containing 5.0% potassium nitrate, 1.3% soluble pyrophosphate, 1.5% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Sensitive/Tartar Control) on dentinal hypersensitivity over a twelve-week period was compared to a commercially available dentifrice containing 5% potassium nitrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate base (Sensodyne-F). A total of ninety-seven subjects were entered into the study, and stratified into two balanced groups according to their baseline mean air sensitivity score and baseline mean tactile (Yeaple Probe) sensitivity score. The two groups were randomly assigned to use either the Sensitive/Tartar Control dentifrice or the commercially available hypersensitivity control dentifrice with potassium nitrate. The two groups were balanced with regard to their mean baseline air and tactile sensitivity scores, sex and age. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily (morning and evening) for one minute with their assigned dentifrice and a commercially available soft-bristled toothbrush. Dentinal hypersensitivity examinations, which included tactile sensitivity, cold air blast, and a visual analog scale were conducted at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks. All examinations were conducted by the same dental examiner. After six weeks' use of the assigned dentifrices, there were no statistically significant differences between dentifrice groups in any of the parameters assessed (tactile, cold air blast and visual analog scale). After twelve weeks' use of the assigned products, there were no statistically significant differences between dentifrice groups in any of the parameters assessed (tactile, cold air blast and visual analog scale). Thus it can be concluded from this study that the use of a dentifrice containing 5.0% potassium nitrate, 1.3% soluble pyrophosphate, 1.5% PVM/MA copolymer, and 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base provides a clinically effective method of reducing dentinal hypersensitivity which is comparable in efficacy to a commercially available hypersensitivity control dentifrice containing 5% potassium nitrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate base.