The effect of fluoride gel use on bleaching sensitivity: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Fluoride has been recognized as a desensitizer; however, no study has addressed its effects to decrease tooth sensitivity when compared with a placebo in a double-blind randomized clinical study.


METHODS
The authors divided 30 participants into two groups: one that received a placebo and another that was treated with fluoride. All patients used 16 percent carbamide peroxide (CP) in a custom-fitted tray until their teeth achieved shade A1 or lighter. After daily removal of CP, the patients wore a tray containing either sodium fluoride or placebo for four minutes. The authors statistically analyzed the perception of the intensity of tooth sensitivity and the weekly shade changes for both groups, as well as the intensity of tooth sensitivity (alpha = .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of fluoride gel did not affect the whitening efficacy of the CP. The authors observed no difference between the groups receiving the placebo and the fluoride treatment in terms of tooth sensitivity experience (P > .05); however, patients who received the placebo had a higher-intensity tooth sensitivity than that of patients who received the fluoride (P < .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS. The use of 1.23 percent sodium fluoride after each bleaching regimen does not affect the bleaching efficacy of CP. Also, the use of sodium fluoride gel reduces the intensity of tooth sensitivity.
Armênio
Ricardo V
RV
Dental Materials and Operative Dentistry, University of West of Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Fitarelli
Francisco
F
Armênio
Mersita F
MF
Demarco
Flavio F
FF
Reis
Alessandra
A
Loguercio
Alessandro D
AD
D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D016877:Oxidants / Q000009:adverse effects; D010545:Peroxides / Q000009:adverse effects; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000009:adverse effects; D014508:Urea / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D016877:Oxidants; D010545:Peroxides; D000077463:Carbamide Peroxide; D014508:Urea; D012969:Sodium Fluoride