Desensitizing toothpaste versus placebo for dentin hypersensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM The aim is to assess the effect of desensitizing toothpaste on dentin hypersensitivity. METHODS We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase on December 20, 2013. RESULTS Out of the 626 articles searched, a total of 31 randomized controlled clinical trials were included. The Standardized mean differences (SMD) for potassium-containing toothpaste (n = 8) was -1.28 (95% Confidence interval (CI) -2.05 to -0.51; I(2) = 93%); Stannous fluoride- (n = 6) was -1.37 (95% CI, -2.30 to -0.44; I(2) = 95%); Potassium and stannous fluoride- (n = 3) was -2.50 (95% CI, -4.10 to -0.91; I(2) = 95%); Calcium sodium phosphosilicate- (n = 4) was -2.36 (95% CI, -3.72 to -1.00; I(2) = 92%); Arginine- (n = 8) was -3.25 (95% CI, -3.87 to -2.63; I(2) = 86%). The desensitizing effect was favoured in the intervention group treated with potassium-, stannous fluoride-, potassium and stannous fluoride-, calcium sodium phosphosilicate-, and arginine-containing toothpaste compared to placebo. Whereas, strontium-containing toothpaste (SMD, 0.05; 95% CI, -0.34 to 0.44; I(2) = 64%) was found to have no statistically significant desensitizing effect in the meta-analysis of four studies. CONCLUSIONS The study reports that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of potassium-, stannous fluoride-, potassium and stannous fluoride-, calcium sodium phosphosilicate-, and arginine-containing desensitizing toothpastes for dentin hypersensitivity, but not the use of strontium-containing desensitizing toothpaste.