The True Burden of Sensitivity

There are many factors that can impact a patient’s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). For example, dental anxiety or fear can significantly affect OHRQoL, as can periodontal problems. ^[i] There is also strong evidence that tooth loss negatively impacts quality of life, with the location and distribution of missing teeth contributing to the severity of the impairment. ^[ii]

Dentine hypersensitivity is another major cause of lowered OHRQoL among patients, which is estimated to affect more than 11% of the population. ^[iii] The literature reports this sensitivity to have a considerable impact on sufferers’ quality of life, with older patients reporting significantly more problems. In particular, patients report disturbed eating, drinking, tooth brushing, and sometimes even breathing. ^[iv]

The dental team is ideally placed to help patients enhance their OHRQoL. In many cases, this involves educating, encouraging, and supporting patients to improve their oral hygiene. Any treatment plan should consider minimally invasive options first, only moving towards surgical intervention when all other solutions have failed to reduce symptoms.

The least invasive approach for tackling sensitivity is to prevent it from developing in the first place – regular dental visits are key and patients should be encouraged to appreciate the value of frequent screening and prevention protocols. A strong dentist-patient relationship needs to be built over time to allow for truly open and honest conversations about their current habits and potential risk factors for sensitivity. This centres on effective communication, which increases patient trust in their practitioner and helps to increase their engagement with their oral health. ^[v]

The at-home regime must also feature in these discussions with patients. Each routine should be tailored to the individual and designed to minimise acid-producing bacteria throughout the day, reducing the risk of tooth surface damage. BioMin^® F is particularly beneficial for managing sensitivity. Its uniquely responsive, controlled-release mineral technology forms a strong fluorapatite layer over the tooth and within exposed tubules, providing advanced protection against acid and supporting long-term enamel health. Beyond this, BioMin^® F delivers evidence-based results that help patients feel confident in their oral health, reducing discomfort and providing reassurance in everyday activities — supporting both dental wellbeing and overall quality of life.

Oral health has a far-reaching impact on patients’ lives, affecting both their wellbeing and quality of life. As such, it is important that dental professionals take a holistic approach to their care and offer solutions that will directly improve their oral health, as well as directly enhance their general wellbeing.