Ibuprofen and potassium fluoride combo may reduce tooth sensitivity after tooth whitening

The authors evaluated the synergistic analgesic effect of preemptive administration of 400 mg of ibuprofen (IBU) and potassium fluoride 2% (KF2), both in isolation or combination, on the painful perception of tooth sensitivity after tooth bleaching. Fifteen patients participated in this triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study used a crossover design for drug administration and a split-mouth design for a desensitizer agent. Four paired groups were formed: ibuprofen plus potassium fluoride 2% ( ibuprofen + potassium fluoride 2%); ibuprofen ( ibuprofen + placebo KF); potassium fluoride 2% (placebo ibuprofen + potassium fluoride 2%), and placebo (placebo ibuprofen + placebo KF). The outcome measure was the perception of tooth sensitivity, assessed using a visual analogue scale. Data were collected at 4 different times: immediately after tooth bleaching (baseline) and after 6, 30, and 54 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test and relative risk. Results: ibuprofen plus potassium fluoride 2% was found to be more effective in reducing tooth sensitivity immediately after bleaching (baseline) compared with the placebo group (P < .05). The risk of experiencing moderate or severe tooth sensitivity was approximately 4 times higher in the placebo group than in the ibuprofen plus potassium fluoride 2% group. The combined use of 400 mg of ibuprofen and potassium fluoride 2% appears to be beneficial in managing postbleaching tooth sensitivity. It provides a superior analgesic effect compared with placebo. The preemptive administration of ibuprofen plus potassium fluoride 2% reduces tooth sensitivity after tooth whitening when compared with placebo.

Reference:

Lima NLB, Sette-de-Souza PH, Siqueira AHC, Costa SGA, Alves PVM, Silvestre FA, Meneses NE, Santiago SL, Peixoto RF. Preemptive use of ibuprofen and desensitizer decreases immediate tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Am Dent Assoc. 2024 Jan 20:S0002-8177(23)00714-6. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.11.011. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38244017.

Keywords:

Ibuprofen, potassium fluoride, tooth sensitivity, tooth whitening, Lima NLB, Sette-de-Souza PH, Siqueira AHC, Costa SGA, Alves PVM, Silvestre FA, Meneses NE, Santiago SL, Peixoto RF, Dental bleaching; ibuprofen; tooth sensitivity