Scientific Article Review:

Reduction in Dental Hypersensitivity with Nano-Hydroxyapatite, Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Monofluorophosphate, and Antioxidants

Published In: The Open Dentistry Journal
Publication Year: 2015

Study Design

This was a randomized clinical trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite, potassium nitrate, sodium monofluorophosphate, and antioxidants in reducing dental hypersensitivity (DH).

Funding Sources

The study was partially supported by PerioSciences LLC, and two authors were consultants for the company.

PICO Framework - What Was Studied and How?

Population:

• Adults aged 18 to 75 years with dentin hypersensitivity, predominantly due to tooth root exposure or other known causes.

Intervention:

• A toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite, potassium nitrate, sodium monofluorophosphate, and antioxidants (phloretin, ferulic acid, and silymarin).

Comparison:

• Baseline dentin hypersensitivity levels measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before treatment.

Outcomes:

1. Degree of pain (VAS scores).
2. Duration and intensity of pain reduction after 2 days and 2 weeks of use.
3. Overall reduction in hypersensitivity symptoms.

In Paragraph Form:
This study assessed adults aged 18–75 experiencing dentin hypersensitivity. Participants used a toothpaste formulated with nano-hydroxyapatite, potassium nitrate, sodium monofluorophosphate, and specific antioxidants. The intervention's efficacy was measured against their initial VAS scores, focusing on changes in pain intensity and duration over two days and two weeks.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18–75 years with confirmed dentin hypersensitivity.
• Sensitivity related to tooth root exposure or other defined causes.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Sensitivity caused by tooth decay, infections, cracked teeth, or recent dental restorations.
• Poor overall health or inability to follow study instructions.

Demographics and Study Design

• Total Participants: 60
  • Female: 47 (78.3%)
  • Male: 13 (21.7%)
• Age Range: 18 to 75 years.
• Participants applied the toothpaste directly to sensitive areas and brushed twice daily.

Primary Outcome Variables and Results

Results Overview:

• Baseline VAS Scores: Mean of 5.7 for pain intensity.
• After 2 days: Scores reduced to a mean of 3.6 (statistically significant, p < 0.001).
• After 2 weeks: Scores further decreased to a mean of 2.5 (statistically significant, p < 0.001).

Statistical Findings:

• Significant improvement in all measured variables (degree, duration, and tolerability of pain) across time points:
  • 65% of participants experienced >10% improvement after 2 days.
  • 78% experienced >10% improvement after 2 weeks.

Conclusions

The toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite and antioxidants demonstrated rapid and significant reductions in dentin hypersensitivity over two weeks. These results suggest the combined desensitizing and remineralizing mechanisms of the ingredients are highly effective.

Discussion: Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

• Rapid onset of pain relief within 48 hours.
• Consistent reductions in hypersensitivity across a diverse age range.
• Use of a validated VAS to track pain reduction over time.

Limitations:

• No placebo control group, introducing potential bias.
• Limited ability to isolate the specific contributions of each ingredient.
• A small sample size may limit generalizability.

Citation

Low SB, Allen EP, Kontogiorgos ED. Reduction in Dental Hypersensitivity with Nano-Hydroxyapatite, Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Monofluorophosphate, and Antioxidants. Open Dent J. 2015;9:92-97. Link to PubMed.

Visual Aids

Simple Chart: Improvement in Pain Levels