Effect of a Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste Stabilized With Nitrate and Phosphates (SNaP) on Dentin Hypersensitivity: In Vitro Study and Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity is a global oral health concern. This in vitro study and clinical evaluation tested the efficacy of 0.454% stannous fluoride toothpaste stabilized with nitrate and phosphates (SNaP) to occlude dentin and reduce dentin hypersensitivity. METHODS: Human dentin specimens were treated with test and control toothpaste slurries and evaluated for dentin occlusion. In a phase III randomized controlled trial, eligible participants were randomized to SNaP toothpaste (test group), a potassium nitrate desensitizing dentifrice (positive control), or a non-desensitizing sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice (negative control). Baseline, day 1, day 3, and day 7 dentin hypersensitivity was assessed using tactile and air blast stimuli. Mean tactile and air blast hypersensitivity scores were calculated for each treatment group. For statistical analysis, significance was set to P </= .05. RESULTS: In vitro mean percent tubule occlusion for test and control samples were 86% and 35%, respectively (P less than .05). One-hundred-twenty participants completed the clinical trial. After 7 days of product use, relative to the positive control and negative control groups, the test group exhibited significant reduction in tactile hypersensitivity (79.8% and 90.2%, respectively; P less than .001) and reduction in air blast hypersensitivity (47.1% and 47.9%, respectively; P less than .001). SNaP significantly reduced hypersensitivity pain after 1, 3, and 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro and clinical evaluation results indicate that SNaP is highly effective in coating the dentin surface, occluding exposed dentin tubules, and offering sensitivity relief from the first day of use, a benefit that continues to improve with use. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This multi-benefit formula reduces dentin hypersensitivity, thereby improving the daily lives of patients, promoting better oral health, and potentially helping patients avoid more serious dental problems in the future.