Potassium Nitrate and Aluminum Lactate Containing Toothpaste Reduces Dentin Hypersensitivity

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate (Test-1) and a toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate and 2.18% aluminum lactate (Test-2) on dentin hypersensitivity.
Methods: The clinical protocol was reviewed and approved by IRB. The study had a randomized, double-blind, parallel design. Subjects with dentine hypersensitivity (Schiff score 2 or 3, Yeaple score 10-50g) on at least 1 tooth participated in the study. Following a wash-out period, subjects were randomized to use Test-1, Test-2 or control fluoride toothpaste twice daily for 8 weeks. Sensitivity index was assessed at baseline, immediately after first usage, at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 4 weeks+24 hours and 8 weeks of test toothpaste usage by the subject’s response to tactile (Yeaple probe) and air (Schiff) stimuli. Immediately after first usage, sensitivity index was assessed 60s after applying the toothpaste on the teeth. For 4 weeks+24 hours test, sensitivity index was assessed after suspending the test toothpaste usage for 24 hours after finishing 4 weeks test. Differences among groups at each time point were analyzed.
Results: 127 subjects participated and 120 subjects completed this study. The sensitivity index of the both test group was statistically decreased compared the control group after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 4 weeks+24 hours or 8 weeks for any measurement method. Furthermore, the sensitivity index after 8 weeks was significantly lower in the Test-2 group than in the Test-1 group.
Conclusions: The results suggest that toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate and that containing 5% potassium nitrate and 2.18% aluminum lactate are effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity after 2 to 8 weeks of use.