Using silver diamine fluoride to treat tooth sensitivity in older adults

A Clinical Protocol on the Effectiveness of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride in Reducing Dentine Hypersensitivity on Exposed Root Surface in Older Chinese Adults

Phase 2 Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT05392868

This study is testing if silver diamine fluoride can help reduce tooth sensitivity in older adults aged 65 and over.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment166 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05392868 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in reducing dentine hypersensitivity among older adults aged 65 and over. The study involves a double-blinded, randomized design with 166 participants who will receive either SDF or potassium nitrate treatment every four weeks. Participants will be assessed for sensitivity using a calibrated clinical examination method. The goal is to determine if SDF can significantly alleviate pain associated with dentine hypersensitivity in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are generally healthy older adults aged 65 or over with self-perceived tooth sensitivity scores of 8 or above.

Not a fit: Patients with major systemic diseases, those using desensitizing agents recently, or those with hypersensitivity due to other dental conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for older adults suffering from dentine hypersensitivity.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the effectiveness of SDF specifically for older adults, similar studies have shown promise in using SDF for dentine hypersensitivity in various populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* generally healthy;
* no known or suspected allergy to the study ingredients or materials
* have all active dental diseases under control but reported hypersensitivity

Exclusion Criteria:

* using any desensitizing agent within one month
* have major systemic diseases such as cancer
* receive medications that may affect pain perception within one month
* have dentine hypersensitivity due to other dental conditions such as caries
* are not able to give written consent

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dentine Hypersensitivity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.