Desensitizing Toothpastes for Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Network Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #bayes-theorem #dentin-desensitizing-agents #dentin-sensitivity #double-blind-method

Desensitizing Toothpastes for Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Network Meta-analysis

Martins et al., 2020 | J Dent Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Martins C C, Firmino R T, ... Schünemann H J. Desensitizing Toothpastes for Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Network Meta-analysis. J Dent Res. 2020-May;99(5):514-522. doi:10.1177/0022034520903036

Abstract

The goal of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the relative effects of toothpaste formulations for dentin hypersensitivity (DH), tested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched 7 databases to February 2019. Paired reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and performed risk of bias assessment. The outcome of interest was painful response measured through tactile, cold, and air stimuli. We conducted a random-effects Bayesian network meta-analysis using standardized mean difference (SMD) and their credible intervals (CIs) as the measure of effect for each pain stimuli. We assessed certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We included 125 RCTs (12,541 patients). For tactile stimulus, the following active ingredients showed large beneficial effects compared to fluoride with moderate certainty of evidence (SMD; 95% CI): potassium + stannous fluoride (SnF2) (3.05; 1.69-4.41), calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSP) (2.14; 0.75-3.53), SnF2 (2.02; 1.06-2.99), potassium + hydroxyapatite (2.47; 0.3-4.64), strontium (1.43; 0.46-2.41), and potassium (1.23; 0.48-1.98). For cold stimulus, CSP showed large beneficial effects compared to fluoride (3.93; 0.34-7.53) with moderate certainty; for air stimulus, arginine (2.22; 1.45-2.99), potassium + hydroxyapatite (2.44; 0.33-4.55), potassium + SnF2 (2.28; 0.87-3.69), CSP (1.98; 0.99-2.98), and SnF2 (1.9; 1.03-2.77) showed large beneficial effects compared to fluoride with moderate to high certainty. Most toothpaste formulations showed evidence of superiority against placebo or fluorides (amine fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, or sodium fluoride). CSP was most beneficial for all 3 stimuli with high to moderate certainty. SnF2 alone and potassium combined with SnF2 or hydroxyapatite were beneficial for tactile and air stimulus with high to moderate certainty. Arginine was beneficial for air stimulus, and strontium and potassium were beneficial for tactile stimulus, with moderate certainty.

Key Findings

Arginine was beneficial for air stimulus, and strontium and potassium were beneficial for tactile stimulus, with moderate certainty.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 12541
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Dentin Desensitizing Agents
  • Dentin Sensitivity
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fluorides
  • Phosphates
  • Sodium Fluoride
  • Toothpastes
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Network Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09