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Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition No. 5, 2015

Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition | September-October 2015 17oral Health > Page 18 Teeth Whitening – No Longer a Sensitive Subject! By Beverly Hills 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, the teeth whitening market is one of the fastest growing in the dental market, boasting an estimated value of £600 million according to the Academy of General Den- tistry. This growth has allowed teeth whitening to become more ac- cessible 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 cosmetic procedure is that the patient will almost certainly experience some level of discomfort through sensitiv- ity. This pain can often be so ex- cruciating 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 whit- ening, dentine hypersensitiv- ity affects one third of the adult population at some point in their lives. This can be anything from a mild twinge to having 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 hypersensitiv- ity 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 sensi- tive 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, gums be- gin to recede and the dentine tubules become 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 den- tine hypersensitivity can even affect the eating, drinking, and breathing habits of patients, so it’s ideal to start by informing them that sensitive teeth are rel- atively common and not usually a health concern. Checkwhichtoothpastetheyuse – Highly abrasive ingredients found in toothpastes can add to the discomfort, as they continue to wear away the enamel. Pa- tients should steer clear of high- ly abrasive toothpastes, especial- ly after in-surgery treatment, as they can damage the teeth and gums, removing the lustre of the teeth and dulling an otherwise beautiful smile. Using tartar- control toothpastes can cause teeth to become sensitive and should be avoided. Perfect White Sensitive, from Beverly Hills Formula, pro- vides the patient with sensitiv- ity action combined with stain removal and low abrasion. A study conducted by an inde- pendent US Laboratory in 2012 found that Beverly Hills Formula toothpastes are proven to be less abrasive than some other lead- ing brands of whitening and regular toothpastes, making it the ideal whitening toothpaste for patients who suffer with sen- sitive teeth. Perfect White Sensitive has been formulated using Potas- sium Nitrate, which is proven to decrease tooth sensitivity. Vari- ous clinical studies have shown that using potassium nitrate when brushing over a period of time can help to reduce sensi- tivity. Not only does Potassium Nitrate work to prevent tooth decay, it also strengthens tooth enamel and works to prevent the pain caused by tooth sensi- tivity. Check the patient’s five senses – A study which appeared in the General Dentistry journal (2002) confirmed that people who are sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, pungent perfumes and itchy clothing, are most likely to avoid hot and cold foods and drinks because they have sensi- tive teeth. The study found a di-

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