Influence of "elmex® Sensitive plus" Mouthrinse on Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth hypersensitivity is a widespread condition in Russia: more than 60% of adult population feel pain after local temperature, chemical or tactile irritation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of “elmex® SENSITIVE plus” mouthrinse in reduction of temperature tooth hypersensitivity. METHODS: 117 volunteers aged 18-65 years old having two or more teeth with hyperesthesia took part in the trial. They were randomly divided into test (62 participants) and control (55) groups which were similar in age and gender. All the participants were provided with very soft “elmex® SENSITIVE” toothbrush and “Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection” toothpaste and instructed how to use these agents. Patients from the test group after toothbrushing additionally used 10 ml of undiluted “elmex® Sensitive plus” mouthrinse containing amine fluoride and KF (250 ppm F) during 30 sec. Oral examinations were conducted at baseline, after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Tooth sensitivity to temperature irritation was evaluated by 3-score scale (Schiff, 1994). From each participant two teeth with maximum temperature sensitivity were chosen for statistical analysis. Mean (M), standard deviation (SD), testing equality of variances (F-ratio of variances, p variances), Student's t-test with the conventional confidence level p<0,05 were calculated. RESULTS: In the control group the mean value of tooth sensitivity to temperature irritation at baseline examination was 2,32±0,63. After two, four and eight weeks it diminished to 1,59±0,66, 1,36±0,64 and 1,07±0,66, respectively (p<0,001). In the test group tooth hypersensitivity level decreased significantly (p<0,001) from 2,73±0,49 at baseline to 1,91±0,55 after two weeks of the clinical trial, . The examination after four and eight weeks in the test group revealed that hypersensitivity continued to diminish to 0,92±0,51 and 0,43±0,40, respectively (p<0,001). CONCLUSION: Regular use of «elmex® SENSITIVE plus» mouthrinse promoted significant reduction of tooth hypersensitivity to temperature irritation.