The objective of this double-blind, randomized, parallel-design clinical study was to compare the efficacy in reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity (DH) of a toothpaste containing 8.0% arginine, calcium carbonate, and 1000 ppm fluoride to a calcium carbonate 1000 ppm fluoride as control toothpaste instantly after a single direct topical self-application using a fingertip, and after subsequent brushing twice daily for seven days.
Method:
Qualifying subjects from the Mangalore area of India who presented two hypersensitive teeth with a tactile hypersensitivity score (Jay Sensitivity Sensor Probe- GHRG, New Delhi, India) between 10 and 50 grams of force, and an air blast hypersensitivity score of 2 or 3 (Schiff Sensitivity Scale), participated in this study. Following inclusion and Baseline evaluations, subjects applied a pea-size amount product topically onto hypersensitive teeth for one minute . Subjects were instructed for twice-daily at-home brushing with the assigned toothpaste for seven days. DH assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after direct topical application, and after seven days of product use.
Result:
Eighty-two subjects (38 males and 42 Females) completed the entire study. 8.0% arginine toothpaste group exhibited statistically significant (p < 0.001) reductions in DH on both tactile and air blast hypersensitivity scores immediately after topical application when compared to baseline (p < 0.001 ). Significant reductions in sensitivity for the 8.0%arginine toothpaste were seen when compared to the control toothpaste after topical application and 7 day home use. Reductions in sensitivity for the 8.0%arginine toothpaste were 168.87% and 209.41% (tactile), and 52.14% and 80.54 % (air blast), respectively.
Conclusion:
A single fingertip topical application of 8.0% arginine-calcium carbonate toothpaste provided significant immediate improvement in dentin hypersensitivity relative to the control toothpaste. Significant improvements in DH were also demonstrated after seven days of brushing with the 8.0%arginine-calcium carbonate toothpaste, relative to control toothpaste.