Comparative efficacy of self-administered dentifrices for the management of dentine hypersensitivity - A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objectives: This systematic review with network meta-analysis synthesises available randomised controlled trials evidence concerning efficacy of self-administered dentifrices for management of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) pain.
Study Selection: Following systematic review registration (CRD42019154064), three data bases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL) were searched to December 2022 for parallel randomised controlled trials conducted in adults diagnosed with DH, using at least two recognised stimuli, assessing the short-term efficacy of home-use dentifrice treatment in reducing pain. Thirty-two studies and 4,638 participants were included. A Network meta-analysis (NMA) approach was used to compare relative effectiveness between interventions.
Conclusions: Twice daily application of self-applied dentifrice containing formulations of stannous, potassium +/- stannous, or arginine can be recommended for the reduction of dentine hypersensitivity pain. There is a need for standardised methodology guideline development to improve the conduct, analysis and reporting of DH clinical studies.
Clinical Relevance: This is the first comprehensive NMA to be performed, that follows guidelines for conduct of DH trials to determine the efficacy of self-applied dentifrices for the management of dentine hypersensitivity. Indirect comparisons can be made between formulations that have not been compared to one another in randomised controlled trials.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: West and Claydon team at University of Bristol have previously received either external advisor fees, lecturer fees, or research grants from dentifrice manufacturers. Those manufacturers included: GSK, Colgate Palmolive, Sunstar Procter & Gamble, Unilever.
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