Enhancing Fluoride Mediated Dentine Sensitivity Relief through Functionalised Tricalcium Phosphate Activity.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Dentine hypersensitivity is a common clinical finding.
• Fluoride dentifrices are standard for managing dentine sensitivity.
• Investigating novel agents like functionalised tricalcium phosphate (fTCP) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a dentifrice containing fluoride and fTCP in reducing dentine sensitivity.
• To compare the efficacy of different fluoride and fTCP formulations and application methods.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week parallel, blind, randomized controlled trial.
• Four groups: fluoride-only, fluoride with potassium nitrate, fluoride with fTCP (brushing), and fluoride with fTCP (brushing + topical).
• Seventy-one patients assessed for cold, tactile, and hypertonic sensitivity using NRS-11 pain scale and a combined modalities sensitivity score (CMS).

Main Results:

• At 6 weeks, CMS reduction: Group A (20%), B (30%), C (42%), D (52%).
• At 10 weeks, CMS reduction: Group A (18%), B (40%), C (24%), D (54%).
• Significant difference (P < 0.05) in CMS reduction between Group A and D at both 6 and 10 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating fTCP into dentifrices enhances fluoride's efficacy in reducing dentine sensitivity.
• Clinpro Tooth Crème (fluoride + fTCP) used twice daily is comparable to Sensodyne Total Care for sensitivity reduction.
• Additional nightly topical application of fTCP provides enhanced reduction in dentine sensitivity.