====== Desensitizing toothpastes ======
{{tag>Functionality_unexplained}}
''Note: This article is currently in the 'proposed content' section.''

Several brands of toothpaste attempt to desensitize exposed dentine (see [[content:medicine:diseases:a-f:dental_hypersensitivity]]). They typically use potassium nitrate, potassium chloride or potassium citrate. They can be an effective 'home treatment' - but the 'mechanism of action' has not been definitively confirmed

>Potassium-containing toothpastes are common; however, the mechanism by which they may reduce hypersensitivity is unclear. Animal research has demonstrated that potassium ions placed in deep dentin cavities cause nerve depolarization and prevent re-polarization. [...] It is believed that potassium ions diffuse along the dentinal tubules to inactivate intradental nerves. However, as of 2000, this has not been confirmed in intact human teeth and __the desensitizing mechanism of potassium-containing toothpastes remains uncertain. __\\ \\  Source :[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentin_hypersensitivity#Home_Treatment|Wikipedia]]