Speakers - 2027

Title: Comparative efficacy of strontium chloride and potassium nitrate desensitizing toothpastes in the management of dentin hypersensitivity following ultrasonic scaling: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common complication following ultrasonic scaling during periodontal therapy, yet no standardized protocol exists for its post-procedural management using desensitizing toothpastes.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of strontium chloride and potassium nitrate desensitizing toothpastes against a placebo (pediatric toothpaste) in managing DH following ultrasonic scaling. Methods: A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Periodontology, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DUHS), over six months. Ninety participants aged 18–60 years with Periodontal Index Grade 2–3 were randomized into three equal groups receiving strontium chloride toothpaste, potassium nitrate toothpaste, or a placebo. Sensitivity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) via air-blast stimulus at baseline, immediately after scaling, and one week later. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (SPSS v23), with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable across groups (p>0.05). Both strontium chloride and pediatric toothpaste groups showed a statistically significant reduction in VAS scores after one week (p<0.01), whereas the potassium nitrate group showed no significant change (p=0.20). Between-group comparisons revealed the strontium chloride group had the lowest post-operative sensitivity at one week, with significant differences observed among all three groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Strontium chloride toothpaste demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing dentin hypersensitivity following ultrasonic scaling compared to potassium nitrate and placebo, supporting its potential inclusion in standardized post-periodontal treatment protocols. Keywords: Dentin hypersensitivity; ultrasonic scaling; strontium chloride; potassium nitrate; desensitizing toothpaste; periodontal therapy