Abstract

V Dargbe, N. Quartey-Papafio, J Sackeyfio, PC Ampofo

Tooth sensitivity is a reaction that occurs when the enamel that protects the teeth gets thinner and exposes the underlying layer of dentine. It affects the teeth or exposed root surfaces. This reduces the protection the enamel and gums provide for the teeth. A mode of treatment of sensitive teeth is the use of toothpaste that specifically takes care of sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate which acts on the sensitive teeth (or tooth). The purpose of the study is to determine the presence of potassium ion and its concentration in some selected toothpastes for sensitive teeth. Samples from seven different sensitive tooth pastes were prepared. The potassium ion concentration (n=3) from the samples were measured using a Flame Photometry (a chemical technique) at the Chemistry Department of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). Data were analyzed using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) from Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (SPSS, version 22). Potassium ion concentrations in all the samples were within the standard required range of 0.08% to 5%. Enaguard and Sensodyne gel sensitive tooth pastes recorded higher potassium ion concentration values 5.05% and 5.35% respectively and Kojach F-mild the lowest concentration 2.21%. All the seven sensitive tooth pastes would be clinically effective in the treatment of sensitive teeth (or tooth)