Comparative efficacy of a herbal and a non-herbal dentifrice on dentinal hypersensitivity: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Aim: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common painful condition of the teeth of adults. The present study was conducted to assess and compare the efficacy of a commercially-available novel herbal dentifrice with a non-herbal potassium nitrate in the reduction of DH.

Methods: A total of 145 individuals (73 males and 72 females; aged 25-60 years) were divided into three groups randomly: (a) group 1: a placebo dentifrice; (b) group 2: a commercially-available herbal dentifrice; and (c) group 3: 5% non-herbal potassium nitrate. The sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and cold water were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results: Both groups 2 and 3 were found to be significantly better, as compared to the placebo group at the end of 6 and 12 weeks in the reduction of DH. Group 2 also showed comparable results in the reduction of DH when compared to group 3.

Conclusion: The herbal dentifrice showed comparable results to the non-herbal dentifrice and can be recommended for the treatment of DH.

Keywords: Spinacia oleracea; clinical trial; dentifrice; dentinal hypersensitivity; potassium nitrate.