Instant/Lasting Dentin Hypersensitivity Reduction Efficacy of Two Professionally-Applied Desensitizing Pastes

Objective: This double-blind, parallel-group clinical study compared the dentin hypersensitivity reduction efficacy of a fluoride-free paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate (Arg/CaCO3) to that of a paste containing casein phosphopeptide and amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP/ACP) with 0.2% NaF, when applied immediately after dental scaling and its sustained relief four weeks later. Methods: Following baseline tactile- and air blast-induced hypersensitivity examinations, 120 adults with confirmed dentin hypersensitivity received a professional dental scaling. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a post-scaling, rotary cup-applied treatment with one of three pastes: (1) Arg/CaCO3 (Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Desensitizing Paste, Colgate Palmolive Company); (2) CPP/ACP (MI Paste Plus, GC Corporation); (3) negative control (Nupro-M, fluoride-free prophylaxis paste, Dentsply International). Air blast and tactile hypersensitivity were re-examined immediately after product application and four weeks later. Participants brushed their teeth for one minute twice daily through the duration of the study, using a non-desensitizing dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride (Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste, Procter & Gamble Company) and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Results: All subjects complied with the protocol, and completed the 4-week study. Relative to the CPP/ACP treatment, subjects treated with Arg/CaCO3 exhibited significant (p<0.05, ANCOVA comparison of baseline-adjusted means) improvements in tactile hypersensitivity immediately (56.7%) and 4-weeks (59.9%) after application. Relative to the CPP/ACP treatment, subjects treated with Arg-CaCO3 exhibited significant (p<0.05) improvements in air blast hypersensitivity immediately (40.9%) and 4-weeks (54.3%) after application. Relative to the negative control, subjects treated with CPP/ACP, did not exhibit statistically significant tactile or air blast hypersensitivity improvements immediately after treatment (1.7% and 0.0% respectively) or 4-weeks later (2.7% and -5.5% respectively). Conclusion: The results of this clinical study support immediate and lasting dentin hypersensitivity reduction efficacy of a single professionally-applied post-scaling treatment with the Arg/CaCO3 paste as compared to identical application of the CPP/ACP or the negative control paste.