ACTIVE ROLE OF POTASSIUM NITRATE TOOTHPASTE FOR TREATING DENTINE HYPERSENSITIVITY AND MAINTAINING THEIR NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY

Background: Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in individuals is increasing globally due to the intake of erosive acidic food beverages and improper brushing protocols in turn adversely affecting the tooth surfaces. Toothpastes containing various potassium salts are very effective in treating the dentine sensitivity when used properly for some time. Herein, we have investigated the association between the dentine sensitivity and 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste usage for a period of one month. Methods: For this interventional study, one hundred and forty participants with dentine sensitivity were analysed before and after using 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring tool was employed where sensitivity to Air among the participants was calculated by VAS-Air scoring and sensitivity to cold was tested by VAS-Cold scoring. Paired t-test was incorporated for performing the statistical analysis through the IBM SPSS-22. Results: There was a strong association between the dentine sensitivity and usage of 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste. After using the 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste for one month, the calculated VAS-Air scoring and VAS-Cold scoring reduced significantly against both the air and cold stimuli which was found to be 2.67±1.12 and 1.86±0.83 (p=0.001). Conclusions: The 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste was potent enough to reduce the dentine hypersensitivity in the participants against both the thermal and air stimuli. Pak J Physiol 2023;19(3):39–42