Dentin Hypersensitivity in Dental Practice: Prevalence, Assessment and Management
Do your patients suffer from tooth sensitivity?
Dentin hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth) can be underreported by patients who adapt their habits to avoid sensitivity triggers. This article identifies groups who may be at increased risk, and outlines approaches to managing sensitive dentin.
- Prevalence and patient impact: Dentin hypersensitivity is generally reported in approximately 25%–30% of the adult population¹ and can affect daily activities, with patients adjusting habits to avoid sensitivity triggers.²
- Assessment: Diagnosis is differential and should rule out other causes of similar pain.³ The article outlines history-taking questions and clinical examination.⁴
- Patients at risk: Patients who may be at risk include those undergoing periodontal treatment, in whom cervical dentin sensitivity ranged from 72% to 98% in a pilot study of patients referred to a periodontology department;⁵ patients who overbrush;⁶ and patients with an acidic diet or gastric reflux.⁷
- Management approaches: Two approaches to managing sensitive dentin are nerve desensitization, such as potassium nitrate, and tubule occlusion, such as stannous fluoride.³
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The Psychology Of The Dentin Hypersensitivity Patient
Do patients and dentists think dentin hypersensitivity is a minor oral health condition issue or a chronic condition? This article asks whether it is time to reappraise the condition in order to help patients and also strengthen the dentist-patient relationship.
Getting Mouthy About Sensitivity
Could simply asking if patients ever play with their food in their mouth be a springboard to create an opportunity to understand what oral health means to them? Find out more about taking a proactive approach with patients with dentin hypersensitivity.
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This article considers how dental professionals can improve communication to encourage patients to focus on improving their gum health, and includes practical tips and examples to help inspire behavior change.
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