Network meta-analysis on the effect of desensitizing toothpastes on dentine hypersensitivity

Meng-Long Hu; Gang Zheng; Hong Lin; Meng Yang; You-Dong Zhang; Jian-Min Han

doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2019.07.008

Network meta-analysis on the effect of desensitizing toothpastes on dentine hypersensitivity

J Dent. 2019 Sep:88:103170. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2019.07.008. Epub 2019 Jul 17.

Authors

Meng-Long Hu¹, Gang Zheng¹, Hong Lin¹, Meng Yang¹, You-Dong Zhang¹, Jian-Min Han²

Affiliations

¹ Dental Medical Devices Testing Center, Dental Materials Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.
² Dental Medical Devices Testing Center, Dental Materials Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China. Electronic address: dentalhan@126.com.

PMID: 31325467
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2019.07.008

Abstract

Objectives: This network meta-analysis compares different desensitizing toothpastes and placebo in terms of their effects on dentine hypersensitivity (DH) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks.

Materials and methods: A systematic electronic literature search of four databases, and a manual search, were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different desensitizing toothpastes for the treatment of DH. Pair-wise and network meta-analyses were performed to analyze the desensitization effect at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The risk of bias was assessed based on the Cochrane guidelines and funnel plots. Statistical heterogeneity, inconsistencies, and ranking probability were also evaluated.

Results: A total of 30 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis, which included eight desensitizing toothpastes. There was no significant difference in the effect among calcium sodium phosphosilicate-containing (CSPS), potassium-containing (K) and strontium-containing (Sr) toothpastes. In addition, there was no significant difference between fluoride (F) and placebo. The desensitizing toothpaste with the highest probability of being the most effective treatment for DH was nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) at 2 and 4 weeks (60% and 67%, respectively), and Ar at 8 weeks (54%).

Conclusions: No significant difference was detected in desensitizing effects among CSPS, K and Sr toothpastes. In addition, there was no significant difference between F and placebo, K and placebo. Furthermore, a significant placebo effect on DH was found in this study. Moreover, n-HA toothpastes may be the best desensitizing toothpastes for treatment of DH, followed by Ar toothpaste.

Clinical significance: Based on the results of present network meta-analysis, n-HA containing toothpastes might be a recommended desensitizing toothpastes considering the treatment of DH. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019117710.

Keywords: Dentine hypersensitivity; Desensitizing toothpastes; Network meta-analysis; Placebo; Randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Dentin Desensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
Dentin Sensitivity / drug therapy*
Fluorides
Humans
Network Meta-Analysis
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Toothpastes / chemistry
Toothpastes / pharmacology*
Toothpastes / therapeutic use

Substances

Dentin Desensitizing Agents
Toothpastes
Fluorides