1.The Objective:
In our pilot investigation we compared the efficacy of dentifrices containing potassium nitrate and strontium chloride.
2. Background:
Dentin hypersensitivity is experienced by most patients before and after scaling. It is characterized by short, sharp pain of short duration in response to external stimuli. Many agents/dentifrices alone or in combination have been used in the past for the treatment of sensitivity.
3.Methods:
A pilot study was conducted in Islamic International Dental Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan (Duration 2 weeks).40 participants were selected, aged between 18-40 years, having dentin hypersensitivity with the minimum score of 4 on Visual Analog Scale. Participants were randomly allocated with dentifrices containing 5% w/w potassium nitrate and 10 % w/w strontium chloride and were asked to use it for 2 weeks and come back for follow up. Statistically significant correlations were found using the Man Whitney U test. A pre-designed proforma was used to acquire information about the patient. Sensitivity was determined with the aid of the Visual Analog Scale.
4. Results:
There was greater reduction in moderate pain from 85.8% to 71.4% with strontium chloride and from 84.2% to 79% with potassium nitrate.
5. Conclusion:
10 % w/w strontium chloride is more effective than the 5% w/w potassium nitrate for the management of dentin hypersensitivity.
Key words: Dentin hypersensitivity, Potassium nitrate, Strontium chloride, Dentifrices, Scaling
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