OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of an experimental stannous-containing sodium fluoride dentifrice (1450 ppm fluoride) in the reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity over a three-day period as compared to a positive control dentifrice containing 8% arginine, calcium carbonate, and 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate. METHODS This study, conducted in China, had a controlled, randomized, examiner-blind, two-treatment, parallel-group design. Eighy-one healthy adult subjects with moderate dentinal hypersensitivity were enrolled, two bicuspid or cuspid teeth in different quadrants demonstrating reproducible thermal (cold air) sensitivity with a score of > 1 on the SchiffAir Sensitivity Scale were chosen for each subject. Subjects also assessed their own level of pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Subjects were randomized to treatment with either the experimental or positive control dentifrice. At the baseline visit, sensitivity to thermal stimuli was assessed by both the examiner (Schiff Air Sensitivity) and the subject (pain VAS), and subjects were instructed to brush with their assigned study dentifrice according to the manufacturer's instructions provided. Immediately after brushing, thermal sensitivity for each enrolled tooth was reassessed by both examiner and subject. Subjects used their assigned dentifrices at home for three days, after which thermal sensitivity was reassessed by both examiner and subject. Subjects received an oral soft tissue examination at baseline and on Day 3. RESULTS Forty subjects in the experimental group and 41 subjects in the positive control group completed all study procedures. On the Schiff Air Sensitivity Scale, the experimental dentifrice provided statistically significant (p < 0.001) reductions of 14.8% and 54.1% in sensitivity relative to the positive control dentifrice immediately after first use and at Day 3, respectively. On the pain VAS, the experimental dentifrice provided statistically significant (p < 0.001) reductions of 22.3% and 74.1% in sensitivity relative to the positive control dentifrice immediately after first use and at Day 3, respectively. No adverse events were reported for any subject. CONCLUSIONS An experimental stannous-containing sodium fluoride dentifrice provided significantly better dentin hypersensitivity relief relative to a positive control dentifrice both immediately and after three days of product use.