Title	Dentifrices Containing 8% Arginine and Calcium Carbonate Have More Effect on Dentinal Hypersensitivity Relief Than Dentifrices Containing Potassium Nitrate When Used Over 8 Weeks
Clinical Question	In patients that have dentinal hypersensitivity, are dentifrices containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate more effective as a desensitizing agent than dentifrices containing potassium nitrate?
Clinical Bottom Line	2 RCTs proved that dentifrices containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate showed greater reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity.
Best Evidence
PubMed ID Author / Year Patient Group Study type (level of evidence) 19831167 Docimo/2009 80 subjects RCT Key results Subjects that brushed with the dentifrice containing 8% arginine and 1450 ppm fluoride as MFP in a calcium carbonate base showed greater reduction (p < 0.05) in dentin hypersensitivity in response to tactile and air blast stimuli in comparison to subjects who brushed with the desensitizing dentifrice containing 2% potassium ion and 1450 ppm fluoride as NAF in a silica base in a period of 8 weeks. 22779216 Kakar/2012 88 subjects RCT Key results Subjects that brushed with the dentifrice containing 8% arginine, calcium carbonate, and 1000 ppm MFP exhibited greater reduction (p < 0.05) in dentin hypersensitivity in response to tactile and air blast stimuli in comparison to subjects who brushed with the 2% potassium ion as potassium nitrate dentifrice in a period of 8 weeks.
Evidence Search	"Dentin Sensitivity"[Mesh] AND "potassium nitrate"[Supplementary Concept]) AND "Calcium Carbonate"[Mesh]) AND "Dentifrices"[Mesh]
Comments on The Evidence	Both articles are Randomized Controlled Trials, with blinding and adequate number of follow-ups (2, 4 and 8 wks). Docimo's study used single-center, parallel group, double-blind, stratified, randomized design. Kakar's study used randomized, single-center, parallel group, double-blind design.
Applicability	To patients who are experiencing tooth sensitivity and in need of toothpaste recommendation.
Specialty	(Public Health) (General Dentistry) (Dental Hygiene)
Keywords	Dentifrices Dentin hypersensitivity
ID#	2449
Date of submission	04/08/2013
E-mail	hwange3@livemail.uthscsa.edu
Author	Eojin Hwang
Co-author(s)
Co-author(s) e-mail
Faculty mentor	Guy Huynh-Ba, DDS
Faculty mentor e-mail	HuynhBa@uthscsa.edu
Basic Science Rationale (Mechanisms that may account for and/or explain the clinical question, i.e. is the answer to the clinical question consistent with basic biological, physical and/or behavioral science principles, laws and research?) None available
Comments and Evidence-Based Updates on the CAT (FOR PRACTICING DENTISTS', FACULTY, RESIDENTS and/or STUDENTS COMMENTS ON PUBLISHED CATs) None available