Comparison of Vantej and Dente 91 Toothpastes in the Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a prevalent and distressing dental condition characterised by acute, transient pain or discomfort arising from exposed dentin in response to external stimuli, such as variations in temperature, mechanical stimuli, or consumption of acidic or sweet foods. Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) impacts daily activities, such as eating, drinking, and oral hygiene practices. Dentifrices are commonly used in the treatment of hypersensitivity, as they relieve sensitivity by obstructing nerve pathways through the formation of compounds. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two types of desensitising toothpastes, Vantej and Dente 91, in treating DH. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 40 patients who had a minimum of two hypersensitive teeth. The clinical investigation took place in a dental set-up in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from July to August 2022. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups (20 in each group) in a 1:1 ratio for the Vantej and Dente 91 groups. Over a four-week period, the patients were instructed to use the prescribed toothpaste twice daily. DH assessment techniques included a Verbal Response Scale (VRS), air blast stimulation, and cold stimulation, both at baseline and after the four-week duration. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The fourth-week scores compared to baseline scores for the verbal scale, air blast stimulus, and cold sensitivity methods in both groups showed a reduction in DH. In the inter group comparison, the Dente 91 group exhibited greater effectiveness compared to the Vantej group, with a significant reduction in VRS (p=0.02) and air blast stimulus (p=0.01), but not in cold sensitivity (p=0.09). Conclusion: Both Vantej and Dente 91 toothpastes significantly reduced dentinal hypersensitivity. However, the percentage reduction was higher in the latter group, suggesting more effective management of DH. Dente 91 could be considered a promising alternative to the existing over-the-counter desensitising toothpastes.