title: Randomised clinical trial to evaluate changes in dentine tubule occlusion following 4 weeks use of an occluding toothpaste.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to determine whether a silicone impression material could precisely replicate dentine tubule changes following 4 weeks toothbrushing with occluding or non-occluding toothpaste and whether changes reflected hypersensitivity clinical assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a single site, examiner blind, parallel, two treatment arm, randomised clinical trial. Participants were healthy, ≥18, with ≥1 sensitive tooth with exposed dentine, Schiff sensitivity score ≥2, and patent tubules with dentine occlusion score 4-5 as determined by scanning electron microscopy of replica impressions. Nine participants received Sensodyne® Rapid Relief (occluding toothpaste) and 10 Crest® Decay Prevention (non-occluding toothpaste), and were re-evaluated for sensitivity and occlusion score after two timed minutes and 4 weeks twice-daily home brushing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Occlusion scores did not correlate significantly with pain scores, but correlations were positive and impressions showed characteristic dentine tubule patency and occlusion. After 4 weeks, thermal VAS was significantly lower than baseline for the non-occluding toothpaste; all other pain scores were significantly lower for both treatments. Dentine occlusion scores also decreased after 4 weeks of either treatment, but did not achieve significance (p = 0.0625).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both toothpastes reduced clinical sensitivity and increased tubule occlusion. It is hypothesised that during impression, taking some material may have sheared off and occluded tubules resulting in false positives.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has demonstrated that a silicone impression material can accurately replicate the dentine surface to demonstrate dentine tubular occlusion and patency; however, although the association between occlusion and pain score was positive, this technique needs to be refined before use in future studies.
authors.affiliation: Periodontology, Clinical Trials Unit, Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK.
authors.forename: Joon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seong
authors.affiliation: Oral Care Medical Affairs Research & Development, GSK Consumer Healthcare, St Georges Avenue, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0DE, UK.
authors.forename: Charles P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Parkinson
authors.affiliation: Periodontology, Clinical Trials Unit, Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: Periodontology, Clinical Trials Unit, Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK.
authors.forename: Nicholas C A
authors.initials: NCA
authors.lastname: Claydon
authors.affiliation: Periodontology, Clinical Trials Unit, Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK. N.X.West@bristol.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Nicola X
authors.initials: NX
authors.lastname: West
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects*; D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D003765:Models, Dental; D009566:Nitrates; D010710:Phosphates; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009566:Nitrates; D010710:Phosphates; C097427:Sensodyne; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides
keywords: Dentine hypersensitivity; Replica technique; Toothpaste; Tubule occlusion