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Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

FeatureUnited Kingdom Edition June 4-10, 2012 Look out for ourfree sample withinthis issue ofDental tribune 11 No longer a sensitive subject Eric Peterson discusses sensitivity and whitening T he popular accessory nowadays is not just the handbag, the shoes, or the Chihuahua; it’s the pearly white smile to boost appearance and self-esteem. In fact, tooth whiten- ing is one of the fastest growing in the dental market, boasting an estimated value of £600 mil- lion according to the Academy of General Dentistry. This growth has allowed teeth whitening to become more accessible for patients and there’s a solution to suit all budgets; in-office procedures, dentist-prescribed at-home treatments, strips and gels. But a common factor of this cosmet- ic procedure is that the patient will almost certainly experi- ence some level of discomfort through sensitivity. This pain can often be so excruciating that the patient either stops treatment halfway through or dismisses this procedure alto- gether in search for a less pain- ful option. And it’s not just after teeth whitening, dentine hypersen- sitivity affects one third of the adult population at some point in their lives. This can be any- thing from a mild twinge to hav- ing severe discomfort that lasts for several hours or even days. Be it a result of teeth whitening or if they are simply sensitive to heat, cold, sweetness, acidity or brushing, by educating patients on how to deal with dentine hypersensitivity you can help them achieve a whiter, brighter, “pain-free” smile. Explaining the causes and symptoms of sensitive teeth Many people can be confused about the causes of their sen- sitive teeth so it’s important to make them aware of all the common factors and put them at ease. Generally, when the hard enamel is worn down or gums recede the dentine tubules be- come exposed; the causes and symptoms will differ for every patient, from eating or drinking foods and hot or cold beverages to touching teeth or exposing them to cold air. The pain associated with dentine hypersensitivity can even affect the eating, drinking, and breathing habits of patients, so it’s ideal to start by inform- ing them that sensitive teeth are relatively common and not usu- ally a health concern. • Check which toothpaste they use – Highly abrasive ingre- dients found in toothpastes can add to the discomfort, as they continue to wear away the enamel. Patients should steer clear of highly abrasive toothpastes, especially after in- surgery treatment, as they can damage the teeth and gums, removing the lustre of the teeth and dulling an otherwise beau- tiful smile. Using tartar-control tooth- pastes can cause teeth to be- come sensitive and should be avoided. There are many types of toothpaste available on the market specifically formulated ‘By educating patients on how to deal with dentine hypersensitivity you can help them achieve a whiter, brighter, “pain-free” future’ page 12DT ß