Bioactive glass products for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: a scoping review.

Abstract

Objective: To systematically map and synthesize the current scientific evidence on the active ingredients and effectiveness of bioactive glass-containing products for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, and to identify knowledge gaps.

Materials and methods: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and was registered on the Open Science Framework platform. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 2025. Studies of any evidence level investigating bioactive glasses, bioactive glass-ceramics, or related products for dentin hypersensitivity treatment, evaluating parameters like dentinal tubule occlusion, dental remineralization, or pain relief, were included. Descriptive analysis was applied to all included studies.

Results: A total of 72 studies were reviewed, primarily in vitro (n = 46), with randomized clinical trials (n = 17) and reviews (n = 9) also represented. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate was the most analyzed bioactive glass (n = 33), often compared with arginine, nano-hydroxyapatite, potassium nitrate, and strontium acetate formulations. Products were commonly presented as toothpaste (n = 39), powder (n = 14), and gel (n = 6). In vitro studies frequently reported benefits in dentinal tubule occlusion, predominantly assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Clinical studies demonstrated reductions in dentin hypersensitivity-related pain, commonly assessed using air jet or cold-water stimuli combined with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores or the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCSS), with follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 11 weeks.

Conclusion: Toothpaste containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate was the most extensively studied bioactive glass-based product for dentin hypersensitivity treatment, with in vitro evidence supporting its effectiveness. Additional clinical research is needed to confirm these findings.

Clinical significance: Bioactive glass products show promise in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. Given the variability in composition, evidence-based selection is key to ensuring effective treatment and improving patient outcomes.