Dentine hypersensitivity: Management
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Managing dentine hypersensitivity1
Here we discuss different approaches for managing dentine hypersensitivity.
Steps for managing dentine hypersensitivity1
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DIAGNOSE
- Rule out other causes of pain (e.g. caries and inflammation)
- Observe patients’ reactions to cold air or cold water
- Ask patients about hypersensitivity symptoms (“short, sharp pain”)
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EDUCATE
- Use a soft toothbrush
- Avoid aggressive toothbrushing
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with correct technique
- Regular appointments with dentist/dental hygienist
![Listening icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_NZ/icons/GEP227_Listening_Icon_v2.png?auto=format)
RECOMMEND
- Recommend a soft bristled toothbrush and to use a sensitivity toothpaste twice daily
- Recommend ongoing use of sensitivity toothpaste, due to nature of dentine hypersensitivity
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Educating your patients
Patients should be educated on how to manage their dentine hypersensitivity through changes in lifestyle and daily oral hygiene habits.
Recommendations could include:1
- Instructing the patient on how to remove risk factors (e.g. inappropriate toothbrushing technique)
- Removal of excessive dietary acids
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for patients with dentine hypersensitivity.
Download a patient material on managing sensitivity with a suitable toothpaste.
Sensitivity toothpastes can have different mechanisms of action1,2
![Dentist speaking with patient](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_NZ/sensitivity/GEP229_Patient_Follow_Up_v2.jpg?auto=format)
Recurring dentine hypersensitivity and patient follow-up
Guidelines for effective long-term management of dentine hypersensitivity recommend reassessing patients’ experience of pain at subsequent appointments. If they still experience dentine hypersensitivity pain they should be followed up and reviewed.1
![Dentine hypersensitivity management](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_NZ/sensitivity/GEP230_Hyper_Mgmt_Algorithm_v2.jpg?auto=format)
Dentine hypersensitivity management: in summary1,2
Flowchart adapted from Canadian Advisory Board on Dentin Hypersensitivity, 2003.
Sensodyne – helping your patients manage dentine hypersensitivity
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Causes and mechanisms
Find out about the causes and mechanisms behind dentine hypersensitivity.
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Impact on patient quality of life
Find out about the impact dentine hypersensitivity has on patients’ daily lives.
![Tooth with magnifying glass icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_NZ/icons/GSK_GEP_Diagnosis_Icon.png?auto=format)
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![Patient resources icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_NZ/icons/GSK_GEP_Patient_Resources_Icon.png?auto=format)