Clinical efficacy of a herbal dentifrice on dentinal hypersensitivity: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a common problem and there is a growing interest in herbal based formulations for the treatment of oral diseases. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a commercially available novel herbal dentifrice in reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity. METHODS: A total of 73 subjects (38 males and 35 females; aged 25-60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 - a placebo dentifrice (The Himalaya Drug Company Research and Development, Makali, Bangalore) and Group 2 - (test group), a commercially available herbal dentifrice (Hi Ora K, The Himalaya Drug Company Research and Development, Makali, Bangalore). Sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and cold water were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The test group was found to be significantly better compared to the placebo group at the end of 6 and 12 weeks in reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The novel herbal dentifrice can be recommended for treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.