A randomized, controlled, two-month pilot trial of stannous fluoride dentifrice versus sodium fluoride dentifrice after oxalate treatment for dentinal hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of a stannous fluoride dentifrice and a sodium fluoride dentifrice on dentinal hypersensitivity when used with an oxalate-based regimen combining in-office and at-home treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial, 30 subjects were professionally treated at baseline with a 3% oxalate/potassium salt solution on up to two target teeth, then randomized 1:1 to either 0.454% stannous fluoride or 0.243% sodium fluoride overlabeled dentifrice. Both groups were given 6 sensitivity strips (3.14% potassium oxalate gel) and a soft, manual toothbrush. Subjects were permitted to apply strips on up to two teeth, up to three times per tooth, at home as desired throughout the study. Dentinal sensitivity (cold air blast challenge) was assessed at baseline, immediately after post-professional treatment, and at day 60 using the Schiff scale and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Immediately after professional oxalate treatment, the overall mean Schiff and VAS score decreased 25.6% and 22.4% from baseline, respectively (p ≤ 0.001 for both). At day 60, further reductions in both mean scores were seen in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups at day 60. All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects treated with oxalates for dentinal hypersensitivity, both stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride dentifrices are well tolerated, are feasible for routine use, and do not detract from the desensitizing effects of an in-office and at-home oxalate combination treatment regimen. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Either stannous fluoride or sodium fluoride dentifrices can be recommended to dentinal hypersensitivity patients who undergo professional oxalate treatment.

A randomized, controlled comparison of two professional dentin desensitizing agents immediately post-treatment and 2 months post-treatment.

PURPOSE: To compare the desensitizing effects of two different marketed professional dentin hypersensitivity treatments, a 5% sodium fluoride varnish and an oxalic acid/potassium salt solution, in a single-center, randomized, controlled, subject-blind pilot study. METHODS: A total of 22 subjects with dentin hypersensitivity on at least two teeth were recruited from a general dentistry practice and randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 5% sodium fluoride varnish (Acclean Fluoride Varnish) group or a 3% oxalic acid/potassium salt solution (Super Seal Desensitizer). The study population was predominantly female (91%) and Caucasian (77%). The mean age was 46.4 years, with ages ranging from 18-73 years. Dentin hypersensitivity was assessed after an air blast challenge by the examiner (Schiff Index Sensitivity Scale) and by the subject [Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] for each tooth tested. Hypersensitivity was assessed immediately post-treatment and at 2 months post-treatment. RESULTS: For the sodium fluoride varnish group, the mean Schiff score decreased 61% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0006) and 41% at Month 2 (P= 0.0069). For the oxalic acid/potassium salt solution group, the mean Schiff score decreased 33% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0305) and 29% at Month 2. Similarly, the mean VAS scores in the sodium fluoride varnish group decreased 41% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0030) and 34% at Month 2 (P= 0.0275). The mean VAS scores in the oxalic acid/potassium salt solution group decreased 35% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0168) and 33% at Month 2 (P= 0.0283). An analysis of covariance found no statistically significant between-group differences in mean Schiff scores or VAS scores immediately post-treatment or at Month 2. Both treatments were well tolerated. There were no reported adverse events in either treatment group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both 5% sodium fluoride varnish and an oxalic acid/potassium salt solution are safe and effective options to treat dentin sensitivity in otherwise healthy adults. The examiner-rated Schiff scores and the patient-rated VAS scores consistently demonstrated a reduction in sensitivity with either treatment, both immediately after professional application and at 2 months post-treatment.

Use of Oxalate Strips in Dentistry: Overall Response and Case Studies With Recent and Longstanding Sensitivity.

Practice-based research was conducted to assess professional in-office treatment of dentin hypersensitivity with a strip-based device as part of a recall visit. The study population came from two sources within the dental practice. The majority were recall patients with evident sensitivity that was observed during routine care, while others were patients with history of dentin hypersensitivity in dental records. Treatment consisted of a 1.5% oxalate gel on a polyethylene strip (Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips, Procter and Gamble) that was professionally applied directly to sensitivity sites. Sensitivity was measured clinically and perceptually prior to and immediately after treatment, and again 30 days later. A total of 27 adults received oxalate gel strip treatment, and analysis focused on tooth location (arch and position) to ascertain the feasibility of introducing professional strip treatment as part of routine care. Results demonstrated that patients with cervical dentin hypersensitivity were easy to identify, professional strip application was feasible at different tooth sites across both arches, and treatment resulted in both immediate and durable sensitivity effects over a 1-month period.