Effects of 8% arginine-calcium carbonate desensitizing paste on hypersensitivity teeth

Abstract

AIM: To investigate professional prophylaxis with an in-office desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate on adult patients with tooth hypersensitivity. METHOD: This study was conducted in July 2009. Invitation letters were sent to all dentists in Hong Kong. Each participating dentist received an in-office desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate (Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™) and its instructions of use. They selected three adult patients with hypersensitive teeth after scaling in their clinics. For each patient, not more than two teeth with the worst symptom of tooth hypersensitivity were selected. Each hypersensitive tooth was isolated and tested with a blast of compressed cold air delivered from the 3-in-1 syringe. Patient was asked to indicate the score of sensitivity (SOS) from 1 to 10. Professional prophylaxis using the desensitizing paste was performed. The teeth were tested for a second time with compressed cold air. Patient was asked to report the SOS again. RESULTS: There were 130 dentists participated in the study; and 390 patients aged from 16 to 83 (mean age 42.7±13.0) were assessed. Female were 61%. A total of 722 teeth with hypersensitivity were studied. About half (53%) of them were premolars; molars, canines and incisors were 25%, 12% and 10% respectively. There were more teeth with hypersensitivity in the upper arch (57%). The two most common causes of hypersensitivity denoted by dentists were incorrect method of tooth-brushing (44%) and gum recession due to periodontal disease and/or treatment (22%). The mean SOS before the desensitizing paste prophylaxis was 6.74±1.64. The pre-treatment SOS for male and female were similar (6.68vs.6.75). The mean SOS post-treatment was 3.24±1.57. The post-treatment SOS for male and female was also similar (3.20vs.3.23). The mean change in SOS is 3.51±1.90 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Professional prophylaxis with an in-office desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate is effective in reducing tooth hypersensitivity.