Effect of chewing gum on tooth sensitivity following whitening

Transient sensitivity is the most common side-effect associated with tooth whitening. The purpose of this randomised, controlled clinical study was to determine if a chewing gum containing Recaldent (CPP-ACP) was effective in reducing tooth sensitivity associated with in-office whitening procedures.

Eighty-eight patients were recruited and had their teeth lightened using a single-visit, in-office whitening treatment with 15% hydrogen peroxide augmented by light for a treatment period of one hour. Following the procedure, each patient was randomly assigned to one of three study groups: Group A, who used a sugar-free chewing gum with CPP-ACP; Group B, who did not use any desensitising agent; and Group C, who used a sugar-free chewing gum without CPP-ACP. The participants were requested to return for a 24 hour follow-up visit, at which the colour changes were measured using a value-oriented Vita classic shade guide. They also reported on the incidence, duration and intensity of tooth sensitivity experienced by completing a post-treatment questionnaire.

The average Vita shade unit reduction was 4.8 and 88.6% of the patients were satisfied with their treatment outcomes. However, 85.2% of them experienced tooth sensitivity at some point following the whitening procedures. Both Group A and Group C experienced significantly less intense tooth sensitivity than Group B following the whitening procedures. However, Group A did not have a statistically significant reduction in the incidence, duration or intensity of sensitivity when compared to Group C. All sensitivity ceased at the 24 hour follow-up visits.

This study suggested that using a sugar-free chewing gum (both with and without CPP-ACP) could reduce the intensity of tooth sensitivity associated with in-office whitening procedures. However, it failed to demonstrate conclusively that using a sugar-free chewing gum with CPP-ACP could provide additional therapeutic benefits.