Comparative evaluation of desensitizing effect of three fluoride varnishes in patients with dentinal sensitivity under palliative care: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hard tooth structures are susceptible to direct radiation damage. Dental sensitivity is more often encountered and the most distressing effect in post-radiotherapy patients. Fluoride varnishes are commonly used in dentistry to alleviate dentinal sensitivity. Employing fluoride varnishes in patients with dentinal sensitivity under palliative care can be evaluated. Objectives: To compare and evaluate the desensitizing effect of three fluoride varnishes in patients with dentinal sensitivity under palliative care. To assess and compare the sustainable desensitizing effect of three fluoride varnishes after 3 months. Materials and Methods: The study includes 45 samples satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The samples were divided into three equal groups (n = 15): group A, group B, and group C. Three fluoride varnishes used were 5% sodium fluoride with xylitol-coated calcium and phosphate (CXP), copal gum, isopropyl alcohol, 5% sodium fluoride, and 5% sodium fluoride with bioglass to groups A, B, and C, respectively. Data were collected before application and 24 hours after application, 7 days, and 3 months after application for all three groups in terms of VAS. Results: A statistically significant improvement in VAS score was observed between pretreatment and 24 hours posttreatment follow-ups in all three groups. Patients under group C showed more improvements than the other two groups. In subsequent follow-ups on the 7th day and 3 months, patients under group C were observed to have sustained effects compared with the other two groups. Conclusion: Among the three compared fluoride varnishes, 5% sodium fluoride with bioglass proved to have a better immediate and sustained desensitizing effect in patients with dentinal sensitivity under palliative care.