A study conducted by dental researchers in Taiwan has provided new evidence that toothpaste containing the amino acid arginine and calcium carbonate can contribute to a significant reduction in dentine hypersensitivity. In the study, almost 98 per cent of the participants reported reduced hypersensitivity after having used the toothpaste for eight weeks.
The study involved 18 male and 25 female adults with dentine hypersensitivity and caries-free teeth. In order to evaluate the clinical efficacy of desensitising toothpaste, which is considered the most cost-effective and easiest treatment for most patients, the participants were asked to brush their teeth twice a day with Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste, containing 8 per cent arginine and calcium carbonate, for eight weeks.
Comparative dental examinations at baseline, and after four weeks and eight weeks of product use found that there were no adverse effects on the oral soft and hard tissue. Forty-two participants (97.7 per cent) reported significantly reduced hypersensitivity.
According to the researchers, the findings suggest that the arginine–calcium carbonate combination blocks the pathway to pain by forming a protective layer on the dentine surface, thereby occluding and sealing the dentine tubules.
However, long-term studies with representative control groups are needed to verify the suitability of Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste for lasting reduction of hypersensitivity.
The study was published online on 6 September in the Journal of Dental Sciences ahead of print.