Effectiveness of Potassium Nitrate Containing Toothpaste in Reducing DentinalHipersensitivity in Gingival Recession Patients

Dentinal hypersensitivity, a global oral health issue, is pain arising from exposed dentine and opened dentine tubules typically in response to thermal, chemical, tactile or osmotic stimuli.

Formula collaborate with Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Prof Dr. Moestopo (Beragama) conducted a study to investigate the effectiveness of potassium nitrate against dentin hypersensitivity. Potassium nitrate act as a desensitizer. Potassium ion of potassium nitrate diffuses through the dentinal tubule and reaches the pulp-sensory complex and form a region of greatly increase concentration K⁺ which subsequently depolarizes the pulpal sensory complex and reduces pain transmission.

Method

The study was conducted in Periodontic Clinic, RSGM. Twenty four patients (male and female) between the ages of 34 and 43 years old were selected with sensitive teeth and gingival recession.

All patients were initially measured their pain threshold using vitalitester and were asked to fill in the questionnaire. Patients were advised to brush their teeth twice a day using toothpaste containing potassium nitrate. Patients were recalled after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks for follow up and evaluated for sensitivity.

Results

The mean score of Vitalitester measurement are presented in Graph 1. The higher the Vitalitester score indicated the lower dentinal hypersensitivity. Brushing teeth with toothpaste containing potassium nitrate effectively reduced the dentinal hypersensitivity with greater reduction during prolong intervention (8 weeks).

Graph 1. Mean score Vitalistester measurement after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks using toothpaste containing potassium nitrate

Mean score of dentinal hypersensitivity reduction is presented in Graph 2. The higher the score indicated the greater dentinal hypersensitivity reduction. Subjective measurement by means of patients view on reduction dentinal hypersensitivity showed that patients agree that after treatment their teeth is less sensitive compare to before treatment.

Graph 2. Patients view on dentinal hypersensitivity reduction after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks using toothpaste containing potassium nitrate

Conclusion

Formula Sensitive containing potassium nitrate was effective in reducing the symptoms of dentinal hypersensitivity.

Reference

Canadian Advisory Board on Dentin Hypersensitivity. (2003). Consensus Bases Recommendation Form The Diagnosis and Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity. J. Can.Dent. Assoc.,  69(4):221-6.

Jacobsen, P.L. (2001). Clinical Dentin Hypersensitivity : Understanding The Causes and Prescribing A Treatment. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, Vol 2, No.1.

Poulsen, S. (2005). Potassium Nitrate Toothpaste Form Dentine Hypersensitivity. Cochrane Rev. Abstract

Prasahanti, C. (2001). Penanganan Masalah Hipersensitif Dentin. Majalah Kedokteran Gigi, FKG Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, 28:139-142.