Clinical study investigating the desensitising effect of an oxalate-containing strip

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the desensitising ability of an oxalate-containing strip as compared to a market leading desensitising toothpaste after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Methods: This was a randomised, controlled, examiner blind, parallel study in 80 healthy adult subjects with current dentine hypersensitivity (Schiff score 2 or 3). Following a wash-out period, subjects were randomised to an oxalate containing desensitising strip with fluoride toothpaste or a market leading desensitising toothpaste. Dentine sensitivity was recorded at baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks by Yeaple probe (tactile pressure), patient reported sensitivity by visual analogue scale (VAS) and an air blast (Schiff Sensitivity) assessment. Oral tolerance was monitored throughout the study. Results: There were no significant differences in dentine hypersensitivity between the two groups at baseline. At 2 and 4 weeks, both groups showed a significant reduction in VAS, Yeaple probe and Schiff Sensitivity scores relative to baseline (p<0.0005). Significant differences were also observed between the groups at 2 and 4 weeks as assessed by Schiff and Yeaple probe, the test group exhibiting a lower mean Schiff and a higher mean Yeaple probe score relative to the control group, (p<0.0002 and p<0.05, respectively). No serious treatment-related oral adverse events were reported. Conclusions: After 2 and 4 weeks, both treatments were effective at reducing the pain of dentine hypersensitivity, but reductions in dentine hypersensitivity were greater following treatment with the test oxalate strip as compared with the market leading desensitising toothpaste. The treatments were well tolerated.