Preemptive Ibuprofen and Potassium Fluoride Combination Reduces Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening

A triple-blind, randomized clinical trial has shown that the preemptive use of ibuprofen (IBU) combined with potassium fluoride 2% (KF2) significantly reduces tooth sensitivity immediately after in-office bleaching procedures.

The study involved 15 participants using a crossover and split-mouth design to evaluate the analgesic effects of the combined treatment compared to ibuprofen or potassium fluoride alone and placebo. Participants reported tooth sensitivity levels on a visual analog scale at four intervals: immediately post-bleaching and at 6, 30, and 54 hours.

The combination of 400 mg of ibuprofen and 2% potassium fluoride outperformed the placebo group in reducing immediate tooth sensitivity (P < 0.05). Notably, the risk of experiencing moderate or severe sensitivity was four times higher in the placebo group compared to the combined treatment group (relative risk 4.00, 95% CI: 1.01–15.81, P = 0.025).

These findings suggest that the synergistic use of ibuprofen and potassium fluoride provides superior pain management during bleaching, making it a practical preemptive strategy for patients undergoing tooth whitening procedures. This approach can enhance patient comfort and satisfaction by minimizing post-bleaching sensitivity.