For a patient with sensitivity on tooth surfaces, which desensitizing agent is MOST effective for treating dentinal hypersensitivity at home?

Correct answer: A. Potassium nitrate toothpaste

• A. Correct. Potassium nitrate (in toothpastes like Sensodyne) desensitizes by diffusing through dentinal tubules to the nerve, depolarizing it and preventing action potentials from firing in response to stimuli. It is the active desensitizing agent in most OTC sensitivity toothpastes.
• B. Sodium fluoride helps remineralize tooth structure but has less direct desensitizing effect on nerve transmission compared to potassium nitrate.
• C. Stannous fluoride helps with sensitivity and remineralization but the primary desensitizing mechanism at home is potassium nitrate.
• D. Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial with no desensitizing properties for dentinal hypersensitivity.