Considerations for the development of over-the-counter dentifrices for the treatment and relief of dentin sensitivity.

There have been many recent articles and reviews covering the effectiveness of dentifrices for the treatment and relief of dentin sensitivity. To date, there are no articles which fully examine all the compromises that a dentifrice formulator and manufacturer have to make when developing an effective dentifrice technology in the context of theoretical approaches and proposed modes of action. This article provides a first review and discussion of the currently available technologies, nerve depolarization and occluding agents. The generalized formulation strategies and approaches of dentifrices containing these agents are discussed, demonstrating that simplified conclusions with regard to efficacy should be drawn with caution.