The effect of topical application of ibuprofen/arginine on tooth sensitivity caused by in-office bleaching

In a recent study, it was found that the utilization of the experimental desensitizing gel, which includes ibuprofen/arginine, successfully decreased the likelihood and severity of tooth sensitivity (TS) while maintaining the efficacy of bleaching. This study’s findings were published in the Journal of Dentistry.

A total of 62 participants with top canine shades A2 or darker were randomized to either the placebo cohort or ibuprofen-arginine desensitizing cohort. The desensitizing gel was applied for 15 minutes prior to in-office bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide gel for a total of 50 minutes (2 sessions). The absolute risk and intensity of TS were evaluated using visual (0-10) and numeric rating (0-5) scales, and group comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon test, McNemar test, and paired Student t-test (α = 0.05). Teeth colour change was evaluated using Vita Bleachedguide (ΔSGU), Vita Classical, and Vita EasyShade (ΔE_ab, ΔE₀₀, and ΔW_ID) before and 1 month after the bleaching procedure, with group comparisons for colour change analyzed using a paired t-test (α = 0.05).

A lower odds ratio for TS of 0.14 [95 % confidence interval 0.02 to 0.6] was observed with the desensitizing gel. The experimental cohort also exhibited decreased intensity of teeth sensitivity up to 48 hours after bleaching process (p < 0.005). Additionally, all colour evaluation tools showed effective and similar whitening for both cohorts (p > 0.05).

Thus, it can be concluded that the desensitizing gel containing ibuprofen and arginine reduced the occurrence and intensity of TS while also preserving the whitening results.

Use of 38% silver diamine fluoride for treating hypersensitive teeth in older adults

A recent study found that applying 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution topically on the exposed root surface of hypersensitive teeth in older adults had a desensitizing effect. This study was published in the Journal of Dentistry.

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial included 139 healthy adults with dentine hypersensitivity. They were first tested for hypersensitivity using a blast of compressed cold air using a three-in-one syringe. At baseline visit, the participants gave a sensitivity score (SS) in a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 10 (no pain to agonizing pain). Thereafter, they were administered 38% SDF or 5% potassium nitrate solution (control) as an intervention on the hypersensitive root surface. Post the intervention, the compressed cold air test and SS score were taken again at 4 and 8 weeks. Reduction in SS at 8-week before intervention with reference to the SS baseline, was the primary outcome.

It was evident from the results that 38% SDF solution reduced hypersensitivity on the exposed root surface of older adults. Thus, it may be more effective than 5% potassium nitrate solution and may help reduce hypersensitivity on the exposed root surface of older adults.

Chlorhexidine and Salvadora persica-based mouthwashes reduce periodontal inflammation after non-surgical periodontal treatment

A recent study demonstrated that chlorhexidine (CHX) and Salvadora persica-based mouthwashes (SPM) effectively reduces periodontal soft-tissue inflammation after non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT). This study was published in the journal, Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry.

Individuals who self-reportedly smoked cigarettes, non-smokers who had periodontal inflammation, and non-smokers who had a healthy periodontal status were randomly divided into the following three groups. Group 1 received CHX, Group 2 received SPM, and Group 3 (control group) received distilled water with mint flavour. Outcomes assessed included gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and marginal bone loss (MBL). After a 6-week follow-up, the clinical periodontal parameters were re-assessed.

Non-smokers experienced greater reductions in PI, GI, and PD post operatively with CHX and SPM when compared to the control group. At baseline, smokers’ oral candida carriage (OCC) was significantly higher than non-smokers’ OCC. Additionally, CHX was superior to SPM at lowering OCC in non-smokers at the 6-month follow-up.

This study found that CHX and SPM can reduce periodontal soft-tissue inflammation in both smokers and non-smokers after NSPT. Moreover, post-operative CHX use was found to be more effective at reducing OCC than SPM.