The Efficacy of Selected Desensitizing OTC Products: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to review the published literature in order to identify relevant studies for inclusion and to determine whether there was any evidence on the clinical effectiveness of selected desensitizing toothpastes, calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS), amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), nanohydroxyapatite, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (tooth mousse) on reducing dentine hypersensitivity (DH). Materials and Methods. Following a review of 593 papers identified from searching both electronic databases (PUBMED) and hand searching of relevant written journals, only 5 papers were accepted for inclusion. Results. Analysis of the included studies (3 CSPS and 2 ACP) would suggest that there may be some benefit for patients using these products for reducing DH. No direct comparative studies were available to assess all these products under the same conditions neither were there any comparative randomised controlled studies that compared at least two of these products in determining their effectiveness in treating DH. Conclusions. Due to the small number of included studies, there are limited clinical data to support any claims of clinical efficacy of these OTC products. Further studies are therefore required to determine the efficacy of these products in well-controlled RCT studies with a larger sample size.

Management of dentine hypersensitivity: efficacy of professionally and self‐administered agents

“…There are two systematic reviews (Azarpazhooh & Limeback , Talioti et al. ) that have also examined the clinical efficacy of casein derivatives. These reviews came to similar conclusions.…”

“…A previous systematic review published on CSPS toothpaste (Talioti et al. ) evaluated three studies with limited data to support of effectiveness.…”

“…Limited conclusions can be drawn from the studies reviewed here as the quality of evidence for the effectiveness of casein derivatives in the reduction in pain of dentine hypersensitivity was very low. There are two systematic reviews (Azarpazhooh & Limeback 2008, Talioti et al 2014) that have also examined the clinical efficacy of casein derivatives. These reviews came to similar conclusions.…”

Dentine Hypersensitivity: Review of a Common Oral Health Problem

“…This process results in the rapid formation and precipitation of a calcium hydroxyapatite mineral layer on the dentin surface [56]. Although Zhu et al [57] concluded that CSPS was more effective than negative control based on a review of several studies, Talioti et al [58] in their review concluded that its effectiveness is only supported by low-level quality of evidence. So, though effective as an in-office treatment agent, it is not recommended over the other professionally applied agents.…”

Self‐assembling peptide matrix for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Products claiming to provide relief of DHS generally try to achieve this via one of two different modes of action: pharmaceutical, aiming to reduce nerve excitation by applying potassium nitrate, thus lowering the potential of the potassium‐sodium exchange pump or physical, occluding dentinal tubules by applying low‐solubility products such as oxalates, bioglasses, or calcium carbonate onto the tooth surface, causing precipitation of the low‐solubility compounds inside the tubules . With either method, treatment takes several days to weeks before a significant decrease in pain is perceived …”