Comparative Effects of 1.5% Oxalate Strips Versus 5% Potassium Nitrate Dentifrice on Dentin Hypersensitivity

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 1.5% oxalate sensitivity strip. Healthy adults with dentin hypersensitivity after a cool-air challenge were randomly assigned either three sensitivity strips (Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips, Procter and Gamble) plus regular toothpaste (experimental group) or 5% potassium nitrate dentifrice for twice-daily use (control group). First use was supervised, and response was measured immediately after first treatment and again 30 days later after direct provocation with air and tactile stimuli. A total of 79 subjects (mean age 37 years) were randomized and treated. After the first treatment, only the 1.5% oxalate strip group exhibited significant (P less than .0001) immediate sensitivity relief to both air and tactile stimulation. Repeated use improved response and, over 30 days, both treatments were effective. Between-group comparisons favored the episodic strips versus the daily-use dentifrice, with a majority of oxalate strip users having no measured air sensitivity at Day 30. Both treatments were well tolerated. A randomized clinical trial showed immediate and durable sensitivity relief for 1.5% oxalate strips and superior response when compared head-to-head versus a potassium nitrate dentifrice.