Clinical efficacy of a low abrasive dentifrice for the relief of cervical dentinal hypersensitivity.

2 strontium chloride hexahydrate-containing dentifrices (SCH), similar except for their respective abrasive systems, were compared in a 2-month randomised double-blind parallel clinical study to evaluate their comparative effectiveness in terms of cervical dentinal hypersensitivity. 2 groups of 20 subjects, each with cervical dentinal hypersensitivity, were evaluated for tactile sensitivity by Yeaple probe, air sensitivity using a dental air syringe and subjective perception of pain by means of a visual analogue scale. There was no difference between the dentifrices as regards reduction of cervical dentinal hypersensitivity at each time point. The response to both dentifrices was evident within 4 weeks of use and the degree of improvement increased throughout the 8-week study period. The results support the conclusion that changing the abrasive component of SCH dentifrices did not significantly increase or decrease the (desensitizing) activity of the original product.