Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity: Nerve Inactivation and Tubule Occlusion—How Do Potassium and Strontium Salts Treat Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common source of discomfort for many people. In this chapter we discuss how ideas explaining the mechanism of tooth sensitivity pain have stimulated research to find safe and effective treatments. We are particularly interested in agents that can be incorporated into dentifrices and other oral care products can use at home by tooth sensitivity sufferers. Strontium or potassium salts were amongst the first active ingredients added to formulations creating the first toothpastes specifically for sensitive teeth. In this chapter, we will discuss how these and other agents alter the main physiological processes involved in generating tooth sensitivity pain. We will also review higher level evidence examining the efficacy of dentin desensitizing agents and highlight future directions in tooth sensitivity treatment research.