Dentine hypersensitivity – guidelines for the management of a common oral health problem David G Gillam Richard K Chesters David C Attrill Paul Brunton Mabel Slater Peter Strand Helen Whelton David Bartlett Dental Update 2024 40:7, 707-709.
Authors
David GGillam
BA, BDA, MSc, DDS, FRSPH, FHEA, MICR
Clinical Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, Centre for Adult Oral Health, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London
Director, Oral Health Services Research Centre, Professor of Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry, Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Ireland
Dentine hypersensitivity (DHS) remains a worldwide under-reported and under-managed problem, despite making some dental treatments more stressful than necessary and having a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. This article is designed to build dental professionals' confidence and remove any confusion regarding the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of sensitive teeth caused by dentine hypersensitivity in those patients known to be at risk. There is a need for simple guidelines, which can be readily applied in general practice. However, it is also obvious that one strategy cannot suit all patients. This review describes a DHS management scheme for dental professionals that is linked to management strategies targeted at three different groups of patient. These patient groups are: 1) patients with gingival recession; 2) treatment patients with toothwear lesions; and 3) patients with periodontal disease and those receiving periodontal treatment. The authors also acknowledge the role of industry as well as dental professionals in a continuing role in educating the public on the topic of sensitive teeth. It is therefore important that educational activities and materials for both dental professionals and consumers use common terminology in order to reduce the possibility for confusion.
Clinical Relevance: This review article provides practical, evidence-based guidance on the management of dentine hypersensitivity for dental professionals covering diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Sensitivity associated with gingival recession, toothwear and periodontal disease and periodontal treatment are specifically addressed in the article.
Article
Dentine hypersensitivity (DHS) is an oral health problem for 10–20% of adults that can affect their life style and quality of life.1–2 Recent research in the USA3 has confirmed earlier research by Gillam et al4 that DHS is still inconsistently managed in many dental surgeries, possibly because of a lack of confidence to manage the condition effectively. It is therefore important to recognize that new technologies5–8 may offer simple and effective relief for DHS, thereby reducing stress for both patient and dental professional.
A group of eight experts from different dental backgrounds were assembled to form the UK and Ireland Dentine Hypersensitivity Expert Forum. Their primary aim was to recommend simple, evidence-based guidelines for the active management of DHS, taking account of the need for a differential diagnosis of DHS, its prevention (both lesion localization and initiation) and its treatment.9
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