Tips to Prevent Sensitive Teeth • Brush your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste. Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Brush gently with correct a tooth brushing technique. • Avoid frequent intake of highly acidic food or drinks such as fruit juices, sports drinks, soft drinks, yogurt, wine, etc., to prevent tooth erosion. • Prevent tooth grinding by using nightguard while sleeping. Nightguard is very effective to control teeth grinding. • Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day and using dental floss daily to thoroughly remove the dental plaque in between the teeth.

1. 6 STUDENT DIGEST | MUMBAI | APRIL 2020
Dentinesensitivityisacommondentalproblemaffecting
up to 57 % of adult population and described the
condition as common cold of dentistry. People who suffer
from dentine sensitivity experience a short, sudden pain or
discomfort in their teeth as a response to certain stimuli
such as hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and beverages.
They avoid their favourite foods and drinks such as hot
coffee, ice cream, acidic fruits as well as brushing their
teeth. Dentine sensitivity is easily preventable with proper
brushing technique and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Causes
Dentine sensitivity is mainly caused by exposure of dentine
due to loss of enamel or cementum and gingival recession.
Enamel can be lost as a result of overzealous brushing,
frequentconsumptionofhighlyacidicfoodsandbeverages,
using very high abrasive toothpaste or excessive grinding
of teeth due to stress (bruxism). Gingival recession occurs
as a result of hard brushing and periodontal disease.
Dentine sensitivity can also occur due to systemic
problems like gastroesophagal reflux disorder and eating
disorders bulimia.Teeth may be sensitive after professional
cleaning, root planing, crown replacement and other tooth
restoration procedures. Usually the sensitivity caused by
dental procedures is temporary and usually disappears in
4 to 6 weeks.
Treatment Strategies
Take a detailed clinical and dietary history. Differentially
diagnose the condition from other dental problems.
Identify the cause and predisposing factors. In case of
mild to moderate sensitivity, advice at home desensitizing
Research
therapy. If there is no relief from sensitivity after using
desensitising toothpaste or in case of severe sensitivity,
initiate in-office treatment. Eg: Fluoride varnish, APF gel,
Gluma desensitizing agent and laser therapy. Finally,
consider RCT in cases where at-home and in office
treatments were not effective.
Desensitizing toothpaste is the first line therapy for
sensitive teeth. There are several brands available in the
market with different composition such as potassium
nitrate, strontium chloride, fluoride, hydroxyapatite, pro-
argin, CPP-ACP, bioactive glass etc . Potassium nitrate acts
as nerve desensitizer and instantly relieves pain. Research
studies have shown that bioactive glass containing
toothpastes (SHY NM, Elsenz) occlude dentinal tubules
with highly acid resistant crystals and provide long lasting
relief from sensitivity.
Preventive Strategies
Prevention is always better than cure. Thus, primary
preventionrepresentsthefirstlineofdefenseagainstdentin
exposure. Dentists should avoid over instrumentation of
the root surfaces during scaling and excessive polishing
of exposed dentin during stain removal .Avoid burning the
gingival tissues during in-office bleaching and don’t use
harmful instruments and materials.
Tips to Prevent Sensitive Teeth
• Brush your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste. Use a
soft bristled toothbrush. Brush gently with correct a
tooth brushing technique.
• Avoid frequent intake of highly acidic food or drinks
such as fruit juices, sports drinks, soft drinks, yogurt,
wine, etc., to prevent tooth erosion.
• Prevent tooth grinding by using nightguard while
sleeping. Nightguard is very effective to control teeth
grinding.
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice a
day and using dental floss daily to thoroughly remove
the dental plaque in between the teeth.
Author:
Dr. Kamala D.N.
Dental Surgeon
Bangalore, Karnataka
Dentine Sensitivity
Common Cold of Dentistry