A randomized, controlled, two-month pilot trial of stannous fluoride dentifrice versus sodium fluoride dentifrice after oxalate treatment for dentinal hypersensitivity

Objectives: To compare the effects of a stannous fluoride dentifrice and a sodium fluoride dentifrice on dentinal hypersensitivity when used with an oxalate-based regimen combining in-office and at-home treatment. Materials and methods: In this single-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial, 30 subjects were professionally treated at baseline with a 3% oxalate/potassium salt solution on up to two target teeth, then randomized 1:1 to either 0.454% stannous fluoride or 0.243% sodium fluoride overlabeled dentifrice. Both groups were given 6 sensitivity strips (3.14% potassium oxalate gel) and a soft, manual toothbrush. Subjects were permitted to apply strips on up to two teeth, up to three times per tooth, at home as desired throughout the study. Dentinal sensitivity (cold air blast challenge) was assessed at baseline, immediately after post-professional treatment, and at day 60 using the Schiff scale and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Immediately after professional oxalate treatment, the overall mean Schiff and VAS score decreased 25.6% and 22.4% from baseline, respectively (p ≤ 0.001 for both). At day 60, further reductions in both mean scores were seen in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups at day 60. All treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions: In subjects treated with oxalates for dentinal hypersensitivity, both stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride dentifrices are well tolerated, are feasible for routine use, and do not detract from the desensitizing effects of an in-office and at-home oxalate combination treatment regimen. Clinical relevance: Either stannous fluoride or sodium fluoride dentifrices can be recommended to dentinal hypersensitivity patients who undergo professional oxalate treatment.