Potassium chloride, strontium chloride, and potassium nitrate are commonly used in dental products for their desensitizing properties. Potassium ions work by blocking nerve transmission in the dentinal tubules, reducing sensitivity to stimuli. Strontium ions can also block dentinal tubules and may promote remineralization. Zinc chloride, on the other hand, is primarily used in dental products for its astringent and antimicrobial properties, and it does not have significant desensitizing effects.