Three randomized clinical trials to assess the short-term efficacy of anhydrous 0.454% w/w stannous fluoride dentifrices for the relief of dentin hypersensitivity.

PURPOSE: To assess the short-term efficacy of dentifrices containing 0.454% weight/weight (w/w) stannous fluoride applied using a focused brushing methodology for the relief of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). METHODS: Three randomized, examiner blind, controlled, two treatment arm, parallel group studies were conducted utilizing a novel application method in which, prior to brushing the whole mouth, the stannous fluoride dentifrice was applied to two sensitive teeth by focused brushing. DH was assessed with an evaporative (air) stimulus (with the Schiff Sensitivity Scale and a Visual Analogue Scale [VAS, Studies 1 and 3 only]) and a tactile stimulus (using a Yeaple Probe). Clinical assessments were made at baseline, immediately after first use of study dentifrice and after 3 and 14 days of twice daily brushing. Study 1 compared a marketed 0.454% w/w stannous fluoride dentifrice indicated for short-term DH relief to a marketed standard fluoride dentifrice (negative control). Studies 2 and 3 compared a novel anhydrous 0.454% w/w stannous fluoride dentifrice to the same negative control. RESULTS: For Studies 1, 2 and 3, 118, 113 and 120 subjects respectively were randomized to treatment and included in the intent-to-treat populations. Study 1 showed significant DH improvements in all measures for the test dentifrice compared to the negative control at Day 14. Study 2 showed significant differences in favor of the test dentifrice for all measures at all time points (Immediate, Days 3 and 14). In Study 3, treatment with both test and control dentifrices resulted in significant improvements over baseline, but there were no significant between-treatment differences. While these studies provide evidence for relief of DH with 0.454% w/w stannous fluoride dentifrices after short-term use (14 days) using a novel focused brushing methodology, the evidence, especially at the earliest time points, is inconclusive and further testing is needed. Study dentifrices were well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration numbers: Study 1 NCT01494649; Study 2: NCT01592851; Study 3: NCT01724008; funded by GSK Consumer Healthcare.