Comparative Efficacy of Two Occluding Toothpastes: An 8 Weeks Randomised Control Trial

To compare long-term clinical efficacy in relieving dentine hypersensitivity (DH) of two occlusion-technology toothpastes-a 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS) toothpaste and a commercially available 8% arginine/calcium carbonate toothpaste-with that of a regular fluoride toothpaste control.

This was a 12-week, randomised, examiner and participant-blind, parallel-group, controlled study in adults with self-reported and clinically diagnosed DH. Participants were randomised to one of three study treatments and brushed twice daily for 12 weeks. DH was assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks treatment in response to evaporative (air) (Schiff Sensitivity Scale/visual analogue scale [VAS]) and tactile stimuli (tactile threshold).

One hundred twenty participants were randomised to treatment. All study treatments showed statistically significant reductions from baseline in DH after 12 weeks treatment (p < 0.05, all efficacy measures). The 5% CSPS toothpaste was significantly more effective than the control in reducing DH as assessed by Schiff sensitivity score (p < 0.0001, Week 12 [primary endpoint]; p < 0.001, all other timepoints) and tactile threshold (p < 0.05, all timepoints). The 8% arginine/calcium carbonate toothpaste was also statistically superior to control at all timepoints (p < 0.01, Schiff sensitivity score and tactile threshold). No significant differences were observed between either occlusion-technology toothpaste and the negative control in VAS scores at any timepoint, or between the two occluding toothpastes for any efficacy measure at Weeks 4, 8 and 12. Treatments were generally well tolerated.

The 5% CSPS toothpaste demonstrated significant benefits over the control toothpaste and was comparable to an anti-sensitivity toothpaste containing 8% arginine/calcium carbonate in reducing DH over a 12-week period.

DH is a prevalent condition that impacts oral health related quality of life. Twice daily use of a toothpaste containing either 5% CSPS or 8% arginine reduces dentine hypersensitivity within 2 weeks of first use. Further reductions in DH are observed with continued use. The use of an effective desensitising toothpaste can be recommended to help patients manage DH.