Managing dentine hypersensitivity in older adults of Hong Kong: A study protocol

Abstract

<p>Introduction: Dentine hypersensitivity induces pain, jeopardizes oral hygiene practice, limits food choices and impacts quality of life in older adults. Silver diamine fluoride is registered as a desensitizing agent in the United States in 2014 yet well-designed clinical trials are limited. This study investigates the anti-hypersensitivity effect of silver diamine fluoride on the exposed root surface of hypersensitive teeth in older adults.</p><p>Method: This is a randomized double-blind clinical trial with a sample size of at least 148 older adults aged 65 or above who present with dentine hypersensitivity due to exposed root surface. We will obtain written consent from all participating older adults before the study. A trained examiner will assess the dentine hypersensitivity using a blast of compressed cold air from a 3-in-1 syringe on all exposed root surfaces in each participant. The participant will give a self-perceived sensitivity score (SS) (0 to 10) on each hypersensitive tooth with exposed root surface. Those reported with a SS more than 7 on at least one hypersensitive tooth will be recruited. The recruited older adults will be randomly allocated to two intervention groups using a block randomization of six. Group 1 participants received topical application of 38% silver diamine fluoride solution every 4 weeks whereas Group 2 participants received topical application of 5% potassium nitrate solution every 4 weeks. All participants will receive dietary advice, oral hygiene instruction and 1450ppm fluoridated toothpastes at baseline visit. The same examiner will assess the dentine hypersensitivity of the most hypersensitive tooth (with the highest pre-treatment SS) immediately after intervention and 4-week and 8-week follow-up visits.</p><p>Discussion: There is no standard guideline on the use of professionally applied desensitizing agent in older adults. This study will provide evidence on the management of dentine hypersensitivity in older adults in clinical practice.</p><p><a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/">ClinicalTrials.gov</a> registration number: NCT05392868</p>