Hypersensitivity and exposed dentine tubules Dentine hypersensitivity occurs when dentine becomes exposed and tubules are open at the dentine surface. Gingival recession is the primary way dentine is exposed in the cervical region of the tooth. Once the root is exposed, the protective layer of cementum is easily removed, resulting in open dentine tubules. Dentine hypersensitivity affects up to 57% of patients.1	Gingival recession exposes dentine.*
Fluid disturbances within dentine tubules Based on Brännström's Hydrodynamic Theory,2,3 dentine hypersensitivity is caused by movement of fluid in open dentine tubules. Heat, cold, air and pressure can cause this rapid movement of fluid in open dentine tubules.	Open dentine tubules*
How pain occurs Each of these stimuli produces a movement or disturbance of fluid in the dentine tubule (as shown by the arrows in the illustration). This change in fluid flow causes a pressure change within the dentine, which activates the intradental nerves causing a signal that is interpreted as pain.1 Introducing Pro-Argin™ Technology for Sensitivity Relief Pro-Argin™ Technology contains arginine, an amino acid naturally found in saliva, and calcium carbonate Research has revealed that arginine provides naturally protective oral health benefits.5,6 Colgate has harnessed this knowledge and added Pro-Argin™ Technology, consisting of arginine and calcium carbonate, to oral care products to deliver proven antisensitivity benefits.	Movement of fluid causes pain.*
How Pro-Argin™ Technology Occludes Tubules Latest research suggests that at physiological pH, arginine and calcium carbonate interact and bind to the negatively charged dentine surface to form a calcium rich layer on the dentine surface and in the dentine tubules to plug and seal them.	Arginine enters and helps plug tubules.*
How Pro-Argin™ Technology Blocks Pain Pro-Argin™ Technology triggers an occlusion of the dentine tubules that remains intact even after exposure to acids, preventing transmission of painproducing stimuli.	Tubules are sealed.*
	* Illustrations are based on   SEM photographs.

Clinically Proven to Deliver Immediate and Lasting Sensitivity Relief After Single Application

1 Addy M. Dentine hypersensitivity: new perspectives on an old problem. Int Dent J. 2002;52(Suppl 5):3367-3375

2 Brännström M. A hydrodynamic mechanism in the transmission of pain-produced stimuli through the dentine. In: Sensory Mechanisms in Dentine. Anderson DJ, ed. pp 73-79. Pergamon Press. London, 1963.

3 Brännström M., Johnson G. Movements of the dentine and pulp liquids on application of thermal stimuli. Acta Odontol Scand. 1970;28:59-70.

4 Data on file, Colgate-Palmolive, 2008.

5 Kleinberg I. A new saliva based anti-caries composition. Dent Today. 1999;18:98-103.

6 Kleinberg I. Sensistat: A new saliva based composition for simple and effective treatment of dentinal sensitivity pain. Dent Today. 2002;21:42-47.