Effect of plaque of five toothpastes used in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

Abstract

During a study to assess the efficacy of five toothpastes in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, the plaque scores of patients were recorded at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 weeks treatment and 6 weeks post-treatment visits. Baseline buccal and lingual plaque indexes were found comparable between the groups and the mean buccal plaque scores were considered low by normal standards. During the use of the three experimental silica-based pastes, one containing strontium acetate, one strontium acetate and MFP and a commercially available formaldehyde-containing paste, plaque scores fell significantly and to a similar extent in all four groups. After cessation of treatment at 6 weeks, plaque scores had increased back to baseline in all groups. During the use of a diatomaceous earth/strontium chloride toothpaste, commercially available, plaque scores increased significantly, both from baseline and by comparison with the other four pastes. Nevertheless, plaque scores in this group returned to baseline levels after cessation of treatment and a return to use of a conventional non-desensitizing toothpaste. The effects of all but the diatomaceous earth/strontium chloride toothpaste would not be inconsistent with previous experience in toothbrushing studies where patients are monitored regularly. The effects on plaque did not necessarily coincide with the previously reported treatment benefit of the respective products in dentin hypersensitivity.