Abstract: The present invention provides dental compositions and methods for treating dentinal hypersensitivity teeth based on the discovery that anionic liposomes possess the capacity to induce mineral formation in the dentinal tubules which partially or fully block them. The subject compositions comprise the liposomes and a suitable carrier and are advantageous in that they can deliver additional agents useful in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity, particularly nerve desensitizing agents, to the tubules. The liposomes of the invention are further advantageous in that they are stable to conventional sources of fluoride ion conventionally used as anti-caries agents. The methods of the present invention utilize the subject composition to effect blocking of the dentinal tubules and to simultaneously deliver other treatment agents such as nerve desensitizing agents for the combined benefits thereof.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of sensitive teeth comprising a suitable carrier and a desensitizing amount of: a) at least one tubule blocking agent, preferably a combination of two such agents; and b) a nerve desensitizing agent selected from the group consisting of at least one potassium salt, at least one strontium salt, and mixtures thereof, wherein the tubule blocking agent deposits or swells upon the dentinal surface and/or precipitates within the dentinal tubules, retaining a higher concentration of the nerve desensitizing agent at the exposed dentinal surface and within the dentinal tubules. The compositions may further contain a source of physiologically acceptable fluoride ion, such as stannous fluoride. Also disclosed are methods of using the subject compositions in the treatment of sensitive teeth.