Bismillah.

Yes, you're in the right blog if you were still wondering. And no, this ain't a motivational post that you gonna read. This is another simple explanation on another simple dental topic.

So again, are you the sensitive type?

What is dentine hypersensitivity?

Dentine hypersensitivity or as known as DH is a brief, sharp, painful sensation that strikes you when you consume hot/cold, sweet/sour food or beverages. The pain can also occur when you brush your teeth or when breathing in cold air into your mouth.

Brief Facts

• DH is a widespread problem. 
• Around 40 of the adults suffer from dentine hypersensitivity. 
• Up to 98% of patients who undergo dental procedures are affected. 
• Patients who undergo dental procedures are 4 times more likely to develop DH.
• DH occur more often between 30 and 40 years of age and affects women more than men.

What causes it?

2 things combined, causes dentine hypersensitivity. Its combination of enamel erosion and receding gums.
Factor leading to enamel erosion include:

• Brushing too hard with too much pressure
• Brushing immediately after meals (when your teeth is softened by acidic food or beverages)
• Eating and drinking acidic food or beverages
• Grinding your teeth during sleep

Factors leading to receding gum inlude:

• Poor oral hygiene which can cause gingivitis, whereby the gum is inflamed and may bleed
• Excessive brushing and flossing of teeth
• Use of hard-bristled toothbrush

How to Prevent DH?

Prevention is definitely better than cure. However, even if you have already developed dentine hypersensitivity, there are still effective measures that you can use to prevent worsening of the condition.

Do

• Practice good oral hygiene
• Minimize your consumption of acidic foods and beverages such as pickled foods, yoghurt and acidic drinks
• Brush twice daily with a desensitising toothpaste to reduce hypersensitivity
• Use a soft-bristled, end-rounded toothbrush
• Brush your teeth before meal times to avoid enamel erosion

Don't

• Over brush with excessive pressure for a prolonged period of time
• Excessively floss your teeth
• Brush your teeth immediately after meals
• Pick at your gums or use toothpicks inapprpriately
• Use products containing harsh abrasives

Daily use of desensitizing toothpaste is the first-line treatment. Basically, they are non-invasive, efficious and inexpensive. Most of them contain Strontium Chloride, which acts as protective barrier on your teeth against external pain stimuli. And they also contain Potassium Nitrate, which prevents the transmission of pain signals in the nerves of your teeth.


Certain risk factor can predispose you to dentine hypersensitivity such as:

• History of dental/periodontal treatment
• Poor oral hygiene and dietary habit
• Habit of excessive brushing/flossing
• Habit of brushing teeth immediately after meals
• Habit of grinding teeth, especially during sleep
• Used products containing harsh abrasives
• Regular consumption of acidic foods or beverages

But, the best way of curing/prevent this is by talking to your dentist. They can advise you on the daily solution to relieve your pain. Until then, do care your teeth, or else I might as well extract it rather than left it there to decay. Beware.

Ref

1. Drisko CH. Dentine Hypersensitivity - dental hygiene and periodontal considerations, Int Dental.
2. Banoczy J. Dentine hypersensitivity: general practice considerations for successful management. Int Dental
3. Addy M. Dentine hypersensitivity: new perspectives on an old problem. Int Dental.
4. Haywood VB. Dentine hypersensitivity: bleaching and restorative considerations for successful management. Int Dental
5. Tarbet WJ, Silverman G, Stolman JM, et al. Clinical evaluation of a new treatment for dentinal hypersensitivity. J. Periodontol.