PubMed · 11487916
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Sensitive teeth.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11487916/
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"Sensitive pastes" are advertised for use by patients suffering from dentin hypersensitivity. Their market share is growing. Their potential of adverse mechanical side effects on dentin are consequently of concern. The aim of this study was to assess the cleaning efficiency, the relative dentin abrasion and the surface roughness induced by ten sensitive toothpastes of the Swiss market. Cleaning efficiency was assessed planimetrically, the relative dentin abrasion was measured using a radio tracer method and the surface roughness was established using a surface scanning method. Four out of the ten tested sensitive toothpastes produced only low abrasion and surface roughening on dentin, and are consequently suitable for the use by patients with dentin hypersensitivity. The remaining six pastes are too aggressive to warrant unlimited use on exposed dentin surfaces. The pain relieving effect of active ingredients of the toothpastes was not assessed.
Cervical dentine hypersensitivity is a common problem. When gingiva recession has appeared the root cement can become abraded by several causes and this situation can give pain problems when the tubules do not close. The most important part of the treatment is a good diagnosis and to find and eliminate the predisposing factors. After this has been done it is possible to try to close the dentinal tubulus for which there are several treatments. It is difficult to give a good advice for the treatment of cervical dentine hypersensitivity because research in this field is difficult due to the large amount of variables, the placebo effect and because the lack of a good experimental model.
Formulations containing potassium salts (e.g., chloride, nitrate, citrate, oxalate) are widely used for treating dentin hypersensitivity (DH). The purpose of this review was to evaluate evidence for the clinical efficacy of potassium salts in reducing DH and also to consider the biologic basis for any effects. Literature searches were used to identify reports of clinical trials of potassium-containing preparations. Searches revealed 3 trials of potassium nitrate solutions or gels; 2 trials of mouthwashes containing potassium nitrate or citrate; 6 trials of potassium oxalates; and 16 double-blind randomized trials of toothpastes containing potassium nitrate, chloride, or citrate. The toothpaste studies provided quantitative data on treatment effects. These outcome measures were expressed as percentage reductions in sensitivity to cold air and mechanical stimulation and the patients' subjective reports. Trials of topically applied solutions yielded inconsistent results. Potassium-containing mouthwashes produced significant reductions in sensitivity. All potassium-containing toothpastes produced a significant reduction in sensitivity to tactile and air stimuli, as well as subjectively reported sensitivity. In most studies, the active agent (potassium) was superior to the minus-active control (placebo), but a few of the more recent trials have demonstrated significant placebo effects. It is postulated that potassium ions released from toothpastes diffuse along the dentinal tubules to inactivate intradental nerves. However, this principle has never been confirmed in intact human teeth. The mechanism of the desensitizing effects of potassium-containing toothpastes remains uncertain at present.