A randomized, controlled comparison of two professional dentin desensitizing agents immediately post-treatment and 2 months post-treatment.

PURPOSE: To compare the desensitizing effects of two different marketed professional dentin hypersensitivity treatments, a 5% sodium fluoride varnish and an oxalic acid/potassium salt solution, in a single-center, randomized, controlled, subject-blind pilot study.

METHODS: A total of 22 subjects with dentin hypersensitivity on at least two teeth were recruited from a general dentistry practice and randomized 1:1 to treatment with a 5% sodium fluoride varnish (Acclean Fluoride Varnish) group or a 3% oxalic acid/potassium salt solution (Super Seal Desensitizer). The study population was predominantly female (91%) and Caucasian (77%). The mean age was 46.4 years, with ages ranging from 18-73 years. Dentin hypersensitivity was assessed after an air blast challenge by the examiner (Schiff Index Sensitivity Scale) and by the subject [Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] for each tooth tested. Hypersensitivity was assessed immediately post-treatment and at 2 months post-treatment.

RESULTS: For the sodium fluoride varnish group, the mean Schiff score decreased 61% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0006) and 41% at Month 2 (P= 0.0069). For the oxalic acid/potassium salt solution group, the mean Schiff score decreased 33% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0305) and 29% at Month 2. Similarly, the mean VAS scores in the sodium fluoride varnish group decreased 41% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0030) and 34% at Month 2 (P= 0.0275). The mean VAS scores in the oxalic acid/potassium salt solution group decreased 35% from baseline immediately post-treatment (P= 0.0168) and 33% at Month 2 (P= 0.0283). An analysis of covariance found no statistically significant between-group differences in mean Schiff scores or VAS scores immediately post-treatment or at Month 2. Both treatments were well tolerated. There were no reported adverse events in either treatment group.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both 5% sodium fluoride varnish and an oxalic acid/potassium salt solution are safe and effective options to treat dentin sensitivity in otherwise healthy adults. The examiner-rated Schiff scores and the patient-rated VAS scores consistently demonstrated a reduction in sensitivity with either treatment, both immediately after professional application and at 2 months post-treatment.