Bioactive glass and arginine dentifrices reduce root sensitivity during daily activities following non-surgical periodontal therapy: A randomized controlled trial

Evidence on the efficacy of calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS) and arginine dentifrices on reducing root sensitivity (RS) following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is limited. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of these dentifrices in reducing RS during daily activities in patients undergoing NSPT.

Using a double-blind randomized controlled trial, CSPS, arginine, or control dentifrices were randomly assigned to 45 RS individuals following NSPT. The participants used the dentifrices 2×/day for 8 weeks. A self-reported visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed during daily activities.

Self-reported VAS scores were similar among the three groups at each time point. The with-in group analysis revealed that the arginine dentifrice reduced RS from Week 1-8 compared with baseline in response to cold. Similarly, the CSPS dentifrice reduced RS at Week 4 and 8. The CSPS and arginine dentifrices exhibited RS relief resulting from toothbrushing starting at Week 4 and 2, respectively. In response to air, RS relief was observed from Week 4 in the arginine group. The number of patients with VAS > 2 in response to cold declined at Week 2 and 4 in the CSPS and arginine groups, respectively. In response to toothbrushing, only 10% in the test groups still had RS at Week 8. In response to air, the number of RS patients only in the arginine group decreased at Week 4.

The CSPS and arginine dentifrices provided comparable RS relief during daily activities within 2-4 weeks and remained effective up to 8 weeks.