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Potassium nitrate toothpaste for dentine hypersensitivity
S Poulsen1, M Errboe, O Hovgaard
1Department of Community Oral Health and Pediatric Dentistry, University of Aarhus, 9 Vennelyst Boulevard, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. spoulsen@odont.au.dk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 19, 2001
Summary
Potassium nitrate toothpaste shows some effectiveness in reducing dentine hypersensitivity, particularly for tactile and air blast sensitivity. However, overall evidence supporting its efficacy for dentine hypersensitivity remains limited.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Clinical Research
- Evidence-Based Dentistry
Background:
- Dentine hypersensitivity is pain from exposed dentine, distinct from other dental issues.
- Potassium nitrate toothpastes have gained attention as a treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of potassium nitrate toothpastes versus placebo for dentine hypersensitivity.
- To synthesize findings from randomized clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, etc.) up to April 2000.
- Inclusion of randomized clinical trials comparing potassium nitrate toothpaste with placebo.
- Sensitivity assessed via thermal, tactile, air blast, and subjective measures.
Main Results:
- Four studies were included in the meta-analysis.
- Potassium nitrate toothpaste demonstrated a statistically significant effect on air blast and tactile sensitivity.
- Subjective assessments did not show a significant effect at six to eight weeks.
Conclusions:
- Limited strong evidence currently supports potassium nitrate toothpaste for dentine hypersensitivity.
- Further research may be needed to fully establish efficacy.