Randomized clinical trial evaluating kinetic benefits of desensitizing agents: Magnitude, onset, and stability of relief

NCT03965039 PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study tested four toothpastes for sensitivity relief, including speed and completeness of relief, among approximately 120 adults with sensitive teeth. They were randomly assigned to use one of four toothpastes: commercial toothpaste with potassium nitrate, commercial toothpaste with stannous fluoride, experimental toothpaste with oxalate, or standard fluoride toothpaste (control) with no antisensitivity ingredient. Participants used their toothpaste twice daily for 8 weeks, and then everyone used the control toothpaste for 3 weeks. Sensitivity was measured at the beginning of the study, after 3 days, and after 2, 4, 8, and 11 weeks by blowing cold air on sensitive teeth and moving a probe across the sensitive area (tactile assessment). The potassium nitrate, stannous fluoride, and oxalate toothpastes reduced sensitivity better than the control toothpaste at all times, except potassium nitrate toothpaste at Day 3 for tactile sensitivity. Stannous fluoride toothpaste reduced cold air sensitivity better than potassium nitrate toothpaste at Week 2 and across all times combined. More participants showed complete relief from cold air sensitivity for stannous fluoride toothpaste than potassium nitrate toothpaste through Week 8. Stannous fluoride toothpaste had greater improvements in tactile sensitivity versus potassium nitrate toothpaste at Day 3. Overall, stannous fluoride toothpaste was superior at relieving sensitivity.