Clinical effectiveness of a dentifrice containing potassium chloride as a desensitizing agent.

Sensodyne F, a dentifrice currently marketed in the United Kingdom, containing potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) was compared to a placebo dentifrice for effectiveness in alleviating dentinal hypersensitivity. This randomized, double-blind, parallel clinical study covered 12 weeks of product use by 41 subjects. Hypersensitivity levels of the affected teeth were assessed by tactile stimulation, cold air stimulation and overall subjective patient response. The results from these three methods of assessment demonstrated that the KCl/MFP dentifrice was significantly more effective than the placebo dentifrice in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity. The therapeutic response to the KCl/MFP dentifrice as measured by air sensitivity and overall subjective evaluation was statistically significant when compared to the placebo dentifrice within 4 weeks of use. Significant improvement was observed for all parameters at the conclusion of the 12-week clinical study period. Plaque reduction was significantly reduced at week 8 and continued to improve by week 12. The results indicate that KCl with sodium MFP significantly reduced dentinal hypersensitivity and improved overall patient comfort.