Three randomised studies of dentine hypersensitivity reduction after short-term SnF2 toothpaste use

Aim:
To evaluate effects of a 0.454% stannous fluoride Test toothpaste on dentine hypersensitivity (DH) applied by fingertip, then 3 days’ brushing, versus a sodium monofluorophosphate-based Control.

Materials and Methods:
In three randomised clinical studies, DH was assessed using evaporative (Schiff Scale) and tactile (Yeaple probe) stimuli. Participants applied toothpaste to two sensitive teeth by fingertip (60 seconds each); DH was re-assessed, prior to brushing. Test-treatment participants brushed their sensitive teeth, with all participants then brushing all teeth for ≥60 seconds, twice-daily for 3 days. DH was re-assessed. Data were analysed by-study, then pooled.

Results:
In two studies, Test-treatment significantly reduced DH versus Control-treatment after fingertip application and 3 days' brushing (both measures). In one study, both treatments significantly reduced DH without between-treatment differences. Mean Schiff differences (95% confidence intervals) for fingertip/3d were: Study 1: 0.09 ( 0.280,0.092)/ 0.18 ( 0.442,0.072); Study 2: 0.72 ( 0.839, 0.610)/ 1.02 ( 1.150, 0.882); Study 3: 0.26 ( 0.387, 0.123)/ 0.92 ( 1.055, 0.793). Pooled analysis indicated Test-treatment significantly reduced DH versus Control (both timepoints, both measures). Toothpastes were generally well-tolerated.

Conclusion:
Studies indicated that single, fingertip application of a SnF2 toothpaste reduced DH versus a Control. DH relief increased over 3 days.

Clinical Relevance:
Scientific rationale for study: Stannous fluoride (SnF2) toothpastes have been shown in long-term studies to reduce dentine hypersensitivity (DH). This investigation explored whether a SnF2 toothpaste applied by two focused methods – fingertip application alone or with focused brushing prior to whole-mouth brushing – could reduce DH immediately and after short-term use.

Principal findings:
Across the three studies, the evidence showed the SnF2 toothpaste applied directly by fingertip reduced DH after a single use and, when applied by focused brushing, following 3 days’ use, versus a non-sensitivity toothpaste.