Novel bioactive glass incorporated in toothpaste shows reduction in tooth sensitivity in first-in-human clinical trial

Somerville, Mass., 02/02/2025 – A clinical trial conducted by the ADA Forsyth Institute, a global leader in oral health research, demonstrated significant reduction in dentin hypersensitivity (DH) from a novel bioactive glass incorporated in a toothpaste. 

The first-in-human trial established the safety and efficacy of Sensi-IP, a bioactive glass technology developed by IR Scientific. Researchers compared tooth sensitivity and pain scores in patients using the bioglass-incorporated toothpaste versus a sodium fluoride (NaF) toothpaste over a two-week period. Schiff Airblast Sensitivity scores, widely accepted and validated clinical measures of DH, served as the study’s primary endpoint, with Visual Analog Scale and Yeaple Probe also measured. 

The Test group showed statistically significant improvements in tooth sensitivity. Patients reported pain relief within two days. The results indicated both immediate and cumulative effects to reduce sensitivity. 

"Our clinical trial demonstrated that the novel bioglass addresses tooth sensitivity quickly and offers long-term protection,” said ADA Forsyth Professor and Director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research Hatice Hasturk, D.D.S., Ph.D. “We found that patients experienced prompt symptom relief, and results suggest that more durable relief could be possible with this technology’s dual-action mechanism.” 

Sensi-IP is a deliberately soluble bioactive glass engineered for rapid ion release and apatite precipitation. It drives fast, progressive dentin tubule occlusion. The study’s results establish viability for Sensi-IP to treat dentin hypersensitivity. 

“The initial results are a significant milestone for IR Scientific, providing clinical validation that Sensi-IP works to resolve dentin hypersensitivity,” said IR Scientific Chairman Peter Hickey. “We are now positioned to advance further development and pursue regulatory approval for products leveraging this technology. We are one step closer to helping patients relieve dentin hypersensitivity.” 

Contributors to study conception and design included Dr. Hasturk, Daniel Boyd, Kathleen MacDonald-Parsons, Stephanie Turner-Cahill, Joon Seong, Nicola West, and Heather J. Doucette. ADA Forsyth’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research staff conducted the trial. 

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About the ADA Forsyth Institute 

The ADA Forsyth Institute is a top-tier, NIH-funded nonprofit research institute focused on dental and craniofacial exploration, the connection between oral and overall health, and a convening role in oral health innovation. Founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children and later known as the Forsyth Dental Center and then The Forsyth Institute, the organization has played a key role in advancing dental care. In October 2023, Forsyth integrated with the American Dental Association. ADA Forsyth powers the dental profession through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, and development of new technology. Consistent with ADA Forsyth’s founding mission, the ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need. 

About IR Scientific 

IR Scientific (IR) was born of a passion for improving lives while reducing the impact on your body and the planet. We specialize in the design and development of disruptive and ready-to-commercialize consumer, industrial, and professional solutions. Our unique inorganic polymer platforms allow us to control a number of important natural variables while delivering valuable elemental payloads with precision—where and when they’re needed.