Sensitive Teeth - helping patients manage
Tooth sensitivity is very common, with an estimated one-in-three adults suffering with the oral health problem in the UK.[i]
Living with sensitive teeth can be very uncomfortable, making it difficult to eat and drink, and brush the teeth effectively. This is because, when exposed to certain stimuli like hot or cold temperatures or sour substances or pressure on the tooth, patients with sensitive teeth might experience short, sharp pains.
Because it is the most common oral health problem in the UK, some people may disregard it as they believe it to be unimportant. However, tackling sensitivity can have a massive impact on patients’ quality of life, and can open up valuable conversations about oral health, hygiene, and diet, improving their situation long-term.
Causes of dentine hypersensitivity
Before we can tackle the problem, we must first get to grips with the risk factors. Why might a patient be at risk of experiencing dental sensitivity, and what might it be wise to advise all patients against?
When the dentine of the tooth is exposed, patients are likely to experience some level of sensitivity. This can happen for a number of reasons including:
- Brushing hard, or using a hard toothbrush
- A diet high in acidic food and drinks
- Bruxism
- Enamel erosion
- Gingival recession[ii]
Each of these factors have the potential to wear away at the tooth’s protective enamel layer, and leave dentine exposed.
Biologically, how does sensitivity work?
Further to this, it can be helpful to understand the leading theory behind dental hypersensitivity.
The ‘hydrodynamic theory’ was proposed by Braennstroem and Astroem in 1964. It hypothesises that, when dentinal tubules come into contact with stimuli, the dentinal fluid within moves and stimulates the nerves at the pulpal end of the tubule. This causes pain.[iii]
The researchers published numerous studies that support this theory, which is why it has remained the most popular explanation. It further explores the impact of the tubules’ features on the intensity of pain, finding that high density tubules elicited a larger pain response, and that teeth with more and wider tubules also resulted in increased sensitivity.[iv]
Treatment dependent on cause
There currently exist two approaches for treating sensitive teeth: tubular occlusion, and nerve activity blockage.[v]
Tubular occlusion uses a physical or chemical agent – such as stannous, strontium or oxalate salts, arginine, silicas, and bioactive glasses – to occlude the dentinal tubules, lasers and periodontal treatment may also play a role in this approach. Alternatively, blockage of nerve activity may be carried out using depolarising agents like potassium ions although typically these only provide temporary relief.
Depending on the cause of the hypersensitivity, there are a number of treatments a clinician might recommend. These include:
- The use of desensitising toothpaste
- Application of fluoride gel
- Sealants or composite bonding
- Placement of crowns or fillings
- Soft tissue grafting
- Endodontic treatment[vi]
Prevention through strengthened enamel
Using a high-quality toothpaste is a great way to help patients prevent and reduce dental sensitivity from home.[vii] BioMin® F toothpaste is an innovative solution, that offers advanced long-lasting protection. It is formulated with a revolutionary bioactive material containing calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions that bond to the tooth surface and slowly release minerals over the course of 12 hours, strengthening and protecting the tooth enamel.
Engineered with extra fine particles that penetrate and occlude the dentinal tubules results in superior protection against the pain of dentine hypersensitivity for patients that brush using BioMin® F at least twice a day.