USE OF POTASSIUM NITRATE IN THE TREATMENT OF DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the literature on the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity with potassium nitrate-based desensitizing agents. A bibliographic survey of the period from 2003 to 2019 was carried out in the PubMed and Scielo electronic databases. The Portuguese keywords “Desmineralização” “Hipersensibilidade da Dentina” and “Nitrato de Potássio” and the corresponding English words, "Demineralization" "Dentin Sensitivity" and "Potassium Nitrate" were used. The literature pointed out that potassium nitrate acted by increasing the concentration of potassium ions in the internal extremity of the dentinal tubules at a level that was high enough to inactivate the nerve endings of the pulp. This caused depolarization of the nerve fibers, and was shown to have a faster and more lasting action when compared with other desensitizing agents. Toothpastes based on KNO3 used alone or combined with other components were shown to be effective for treating dentin hypersensitivity. Potassium nitrate was most frequently incorporated into toothpastes and mouthwashes, in which the dosage that produced the most satisfactory results for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity was the association with brushing and rinsing, respectively, twice daily for two minutes. All desensitizing agents based on potassium nitrate analyzed in the present study were able to effectively treat dentin hypersensitivity.