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Metals, fluoride and bioactive glass on dentin hypersensitivity and quality of life: A 6-month double-blind
Victor Mosquim1, Daniella Cristo Santin2, Juliana Carvalho Jacomine2
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil; Dental Physical Sciences Unit, Centre for Oral Bioengineering, Institute of Dentistry, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
Objectives:
To investigate whether a TiF4 varnish, a SnCl2/AmF/NaF and chitosan-containing toothpaste (Elmex Opti-namel), and a fluoride-calcium-phospho-silicate-containing toothpaste (Biomin F) can reduce dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and improve oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) similarly to NaF varnish over 6 months.
Methods:
Fifty-one patients/241 teeth were randomized into four groups. DH was measured using a 10-point visual analog scale after evaporative and tactile stimuli at baseline, immediately after application, and after 1, 3, and 6 months. OHRQoL was evaluated using the OHIP-14 questionnaire at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis and DSCF post-hoc, Friedman's test and Durbin-Conover post-hoc, and mixed factorial ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc (α=0.05).
Results:
All products reduced DH pain over time (p < 0.001). For evaporative stimulus, NaF varnish was outperformed by both toothpastes at 3 months, and by Elmex Opti-namel at 6 months (p = 0.048). For tactile stimulus, Biomin F was less effective than NaF varnish immediately after application (p = 0.028), but no other inter-group differences were observed. All products equally improved OHRQoL (p < 0.001), but the improvement was classified as low.
Conclusion:
All products improved OHRQoL, but Elmex Opti-namel provided the most effective pain relief after 6 months.
Clinical Significance:
All products relieved pain and improved OHRQoL. However, both toothpastes presented higher DH pain relief than the NaF varnish after 3 months, and Elmex Opti-namel outperformed the NaF varnish after 6 months. Therefore, bioactive glass- and polyvalent metal-containing toothpastes are effective, noninvasive options for managing DH and enhancing patient comfort.
