| dc.description.abstract | There is a wide variety ofoptions for treating the common phenomenon of dentine
hypersensitivity (DH) which results from exposed dentine. The first line oftreatment
is normally to use a desensitising toothpaste which is a quick, easy and widely
available form oftreatment reducing the pain that results from this condition. There
are several other treatments that can be carried out by a dental care professional in
surgery such as the application ofDuraphat, a high fluoride concentration varnish
such a Duraphat; Seal and Protect, a resin based varnish; fluoride trays or solutions in
conjunction with iontophoresis; or use oflow-level laser therapy. As desensitising
dentifrices are so easy to access, inexpensive and can be used at home rather than
requiring one or more visits to the dental surgery, they are the most widely used form
oftreatment. However there are a multitude ofdentifrices available, making it
difficult to choose one. This paper is aimed at discovering which dentifrices are most
effective at reducing DH, but the subjective nature of pain and the placebo effect,
along with variation in study design make it very difficult to drawn definite
conclusions. Results are mostly equivocal but from the studies reviewed in this
report, Colgate Pro-Relief(Arginine) and Oral B Pro-expert (strontium acetate)
appear to be the most effective treatments, however, potassium nitrate (and other
potassium salts) dentifrices are also effective is many cases. In addition, fluoride
dentifrices can also provide limited relief. | en |
