Desensitizing efficacy of Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength and Fresh Mint Sensodyne dentifrices

Purpose: To investigate the relative effectiveness provided by a new dentif rice containing 5.0% potassium nitrate and 0.454% stannous fluoride in a si lica base (Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength dentifrice) for reducing dent in hypersensitivity over an 8-wk period, as compared to that provided by a commercially-available antihypersensitivity dentifrice containing 5.0% pota ssium nitrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a dicalcium phosphate base (Fresh Mint Sensodyne dentifrice). Materials gild Methods: To qualify for participation in this examiner-blind clinical study, male and female a dults from the central New Jersey area were required to present with tactil e and air blast dentin hypersensitivity in at least two non-molar teeth at two examinations, spaced 1 wk apart. Qualifying subjects were randomized in to two treatment groups, which were balanced for gender, age, and baseline sensitivity scores. Subjects were provided with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Examinations for tactile and air blast sensitivity were repeated after 4 w ks' use of the study dentifrices, and again after 8 wks' usage. 97 subjects complied with the protocol, and completed the entire study. Results: After 4 wks, subjects assigned to the Colgate Sensitive Maximum Strength dentifr ice group exhibited a statistically significant improvement over the Sensod yne dentifrice group with respect to tactile sensitivity scores, and a stat istically significant improvement over the Sensodyne dentifrice group with respect to air blast sensitivity scores. Correspondingly significant improv ements were presented after 8 wks. Thus, the results of this examiner-blind clinical study support the conclusion that the Colgate Sensitive Maximum S trength dentifrice containing 5.0% potassium nitrate and 0.454% stannous fl uoride in a silica base provided superior levels of control of tactile and air blast sensitivity than the clinically tested, commercially-available an ti-hypersensitivity dentifrice Sensodyne dentifrice containing 5.0% potassi um nitrate and 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a dicalcium phosphate ba se.