Effectiveness of Three Desensitizing Dentifrices on Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Pilot Clinical Trial

Cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) is defined as an acute pain of short duration that occurs in dentin exposed to the oral environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effi cacy of three desensitizing toothpastes (Sensodyne® Rapid-Relief, Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief, Nano P®) for immediate and intermediate-term relief of CDH, when compared with a control toothpaste (Cocoricó®).

Eight patients were enrolled in this clinical study. One hundred thirty-eight hypersensitive teeth were randomized into four groups according to the com- position of the desensitizing toothpaste tested: Group I) strontium acetate and calcium carbonate; II) calcium carbonate and arginine 8%; III) calcium phosphate nanoparticles; and IV) a control toothpaste. A split mouth design was used for one application each of the desensitizing dentifrices. Assessment of CDH was done by evaporative and cold stimuli at baseline, immediately, 24 hours and 30 days after the treatment.

The toothpastes presented similar effectiveness and statistically significant improvement in 30 days compared to baseline. Group III showed statistically significant relief for cervical dentin hypersensitivity immediately after the treatment.

The only toothpaste that presented immediate relief effect was the paste containing calcium phosphate nanoparticles in the form of hydroxyapatite.