Metals, fluoride and bioactive glass on dentin hypersensitivity and quality of life: A 6-month double-blind randomized clinical trial

Objectives

To investigate whether a TiF₄ varnish, a SnCl₂/AmF/NaF and chitosan-containing toothpaste (Elmex Opti-namel), and a fluoride-calcium-phospho-silicate-containing toothpaste (Biomin F) can reduce dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and improve oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) similarly to NaF varnish over 6 months.

Methods

Fifty-one patients/241 teeth were randomized into four groups. DH was measured using a 10-point visual analog scale after evaporative and tactile stimuli at baseline, immediately after application, and after 1, 3, and 6 months. OHRQoL was evaluated using the OHIP-14 questionnaire at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal-Wallis and DSCF post-hoc, Friedman’s test and Durbin-Conover post-hoc, and mixed factorial ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc (α=0.05).

Results

All products reduced DH pain over time (p < 0.001). For evaporative stimulus, NaF varnish was outperformed by both toothpastes at 3 months, and by Elmex Opti-namel at 6 months (p = 0.048). For tactile stimulus, Biomin F was less effective than NaF varnish immediately after application (p = 0.028), but no other inter-group differences were observed. All products equally improved OHRQoL (p < 0.001), but the improvement was classified as low.

Conclusion

All products improved OHRQoL, but Elmex Opti-namel provided the most effective pain relief after 6 months.

Clinical Significance

All products relieved pain and improved OHRQoL. However, both toothpastes presented higher DH pain relief than the NaF varnish after 3 months, and Elmex Opti-namel outperformed the NaF varnish after 6 months. Therefore, bioactive glass- and polyvalent metal-containing toothpastes are effective, noninvasive options for managing DH and enhancing patient comfort.