Desensitivity efficacy of a tooth polishing paste with calcium glycerophosphate and hydroxyapatite

Background. The problem of dental hypersensitivity is relevant due to its high prevalence among the population. A large number of products with various active ingredients are available on the dental market, each with significantly different mechanisms of action and the time it takes to achieve a positive effect. Therefore, studying the effectiveness of modern desensitizing products is important for practical dentistry.

 The aim of the study. Тo evaluate the desensitizing efficacy of a paste containing calcium glycerophosphate and hydroxyapatite used for polishing tooth surfaces at the final stage of professional oral hygiene in patients with dental hyperesthesia.

Materials and methods. Seventy-three patients with dental hyperesthesia were examined. The study utilized tooth polishing pastes for the final stage of professional oral hygiene (FPOH). The study group used R.O.C.S. PROPOLISHING, which contains a 50% hydroxyapatite suspension (7.5% dry weight) and calcium glycerophosphate. The paste’s PCR (stained pellicle removal) index was 93. The comparison group used a paste containing sodium fluoride. The intensity of hyperesthesia was determined using the Schiff test and the YeapleProbe electromagnetic device for determining dental hyperesthesia, before the PGPR, immediately after the procedure, and after using the test toothpastes. The desensitizing effect was calculated based on the Schiff test value and estimated using the classical formula by S.B. Ulitovsky (2018): E(%) = [In(1) – In(n)] × 100 / In(1), where In(1) is the Schiff test value during the initial examination, In (n) is the Schiff test value at the end of the study. When using YeapleProbe, the percentage of sensitivity regression was calculated. In this case, the digital norm (70 units) of the YeapleProbe value was taken as 100%, and the percentage of sensitivity during the initial and subsequent studies was calculated proportionally. The difference between these values demonstrates the percentage of sensitivity regression according to the YeapleProbe value.

Results. The dynamics of the Schiff and YeapleProbe test values demonstrate a characteristic increase in hyperesthesia in both groups immediately after the PGPR. After polishing the teeth of patients in Group 1 with a paste containing hydroxyapatite and calcium glycerophosphate, a significant improvement in the values was noted, almost approaching normal values. In the comparison group (Group 2), where a sodium fluoride paste was used for polishing, the values returned to the initial values characteristic of hyperesthesia.

Conclusions. Immediately after polishing the teeth, R.O.C.S. paste was used. PROPOLISHING, containing a 50% hydroxyapatite suspension (7.5% dry weight) and calcium glycerophosphate, demonstrated high desensitization efficacy (58.6%) in the Schiff test and a high sensitivity regression (59.7%) in the YeapleProbe test. However, immediately after polishing, a paste containing sodium fluoride showed no desensitization activity: 0% in the Schiff test and -0.9% sensitivity regression in the YeapleProbe test.

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