Effectiveness of dentifrices with new formulations for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity - A meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate if strontium-acetate- and arginine-containing dentifrices can significantly reduce dentin hypersensitivity (DH). METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed. The investigation period was from 2006 to 2015 with the search term "dentin hypersensitivity". Nine original articles were relevant. A network meta-analysis of combined z scores was performed. Pooled results from random effects models with their 95% confidence intervals are reported. RESULTS: The results from the random effects network meta-analysis show a significant improvement for the agents strontium acetate, arginine, and arginine with whitener, at all times for all stimuli, in comparison with the placebo. Strontium chloride is equivalent to the placebo. None of the dentifrices had a negative effect on DH. This meta-analysis showed that strontium-acetate- and arginine-containing dentifrices can significantly reduce DH. Calcium sodium silicate and potassium nitrate formulas show a tendency for pain relief. Because of the limited power of the available studies, a randomized study with several agents is recommended. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The aim of the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is pain relief. Dentifrices with formulations of strontium acetate, of arginine or of arginine with whitener seem to have a good impact in the therapy of DH and can be recommended for daily use.