Effectiveness of sodium fluoride varnish and/or diode laser in decreasing post-bleaching hypersensitivity: A comparative study

BACKGROUND: Professional tooth whitening has gained popularity in the past several years. The most commonly active chemical agent used in bleaching is hydrogen peroxide (HP). HP is a low molecular weight unstable material that easily diffuses into the tooth structure, causing oxidative reactions with a consequent whitening effect. After bleaching, tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation are anticipated. AIM: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of remineralization and/or diode laser therapies in reducing tooth sensitivity after bleaching. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-nine participants from Umm Al-Qura University, dental clinics, Makkah, SA. They were divided into three equal groups according to the desensitizing technique used. All participants were subjected to bleaching by 40% opalescence boost HP. Subsequently, 13 participants received 5% sodium fluoride varnish (5% NaF), 13 participants received low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and 13 participants received a combination of both desensitizing techniques. Each participant represented self-control, where tooth sensitivity was measured before and after bleaching. The cold test was used to measure tooth sensitivity before bleaching, immediately after bleaching and after application of the proposed desensitizing technique. Then, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for re-assessment. RESULTS: The desensitizing methods exhibited a notable reduction in tooth sensitivity post-bleaching with no significant difference among the following therapies (p = 0.544). CONCLUSION: All the employed desensitizing methods reduced post-bleaching sensitivity, with no significant differences among them. Thus, using one technique individually is enough for effort, time and cost savings.