DESENSITISING EFFICACY OF A NEW DENTIFRICE: DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objectives: Several dentifrices have shown to be effective in reducing dentine hypersensitivity (DH), but more effective products are needed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the desensitising efficacy of a new dentifrice based on zinc-carbonate hydroxyapatite nanocrystals. Methods: Using a double-blind, randomized design, the new dentifrice was compared with potassium nitrate/fluoride dentifrice (active control). Participant's DH was evaluated at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks using Airblast (primary outcome), Tactile, Cold water and Subjective tests (secondary outcomes). Results: The final sample consisted of 70 subjects with baseline DH: 36 received the new dentifrice; 34 the control one. Both dentifrices were largely effective: the percentage of score reduction from baseline to 8 weeks was greater than 28% for all tests (and larger than 55% for the Cold Water test), in both groups. As compared to controls, experimental subjects had a significantly greater improvement in Airblast test score (mean percentage of reduction 46.0% versus 29.4% in controls) and Subjective test score (47.5% vs 28.1%, respectively), with both differences being significant already after 4 weeks. In contrast, there was no significant difference between groups for either the Tactile or Cold water at any time point and with any outcome. Conclusions: This study documented that the new dentifrice containing zinc-carbonate hydroxyapatite nanocrystals significantly reduced dentinal hypersensitivity after 4 and 8 weeks, supporting its utility in clinical practice