Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Use of Two Different Oxalate Products in Adults with Recession-Associated Dentin Hypersensitivity.

A randomized positively controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the durable effects of 1.5% oxalate strips on dentin hypersensitivity. Informed consent and baseline measurements were obtained from adults with recession and air-related dentin hypersensitivity. Eligible subjects were randomized to one of two oxalate groups, either 1.5% oxalate gel strips (Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips, Procter and Gamble) or a professional oxalate-acid, potassium-salt solution (Super Seal® Dental Desensitizer Liner, Phoenix Dental). Test products were professionally administered at examiner-identified sensitive test sites following each manufacturer's instructions. Subjects received a blinded overwrapped anticavity paste and manual brush, two additional reapplication visits were scheduled over a 1-week period, and subjects returned 1 month later for evaluation. Sensitivity was evaluated using air and water stimuli measured by clinicians (Schiff Index) and subjects (visual analog scale), while safety was assessed by examination. The population (N = 80) was diverse with respect to gender, ethnicity, and age (22 to 82 years). At baseline, the overall mean (SD) air sensitivity was 1.34 (0.47), with individual subject means ranging from 1 to 2.5. Repeated treatment with both the commercial and professional oxalate treatments resulted in significant (P less than .05) reductions in sensitivity for all stimuli and methods. At the 1-month posttreatment recall, there were 84% to 86% reductions in clinically measured cool-air sensitivity for each oxalate group. Groups did not differ significantly (P > .57) on examiner or self-graded air or water sensitivity. In a clinical study, use of 1.5% oxalate gel strips yielded similar benefits as professionally applied oxalate treatments for adults with recession-based dentin hypersensitivity.