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

ABSTRACT Objective 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. Methods 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). Results 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. Conclusion 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. Clinical Significance 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.