Potassium Nitrate Treatments

Potassium nitrate is an ionic compound sometimes called saltpeter. While its primary uses are in other industries, it also enjoys several medical uses in the treatment of high blood pressure and sensitive teeth.

Types

• Dentine hypersensitivity, or sensitive teeth, is a painful condition where nerve endings in dentin, the underlying layer in the teeth, become exposed. High blood pressure can stem from a variety of causes and is a major predisposing risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Potassium nitrate is sometimes used to treat both these conditions.

Function

• Potassium nitrate is often included in toothpastes intended for patients with dentine hypersensitivity. According to a 2006 review in Journal of the American Dental Association, various studies that evaluated its effects have reached conflicting results. Research on the mechanisms and success of this method of treatment is ongoing.

Theories/Speculation

• According to a 2010 study in the journal Hypertension, it's thought that potassium nitrate affects blood pressure through its conversion into nitrites, which are later converted to nitric oxide in circulation. Nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule to cause vasodilation, dilation of blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. As always, however, if you have any questions about high blood pressure or potassium nitrate, the best person to consult is your doctor.