Hypersensitivity Relief

A Common Cause of Hypersensitivity

Receding gums can lead to hypersensitivity. As gums recede, sensitive root surfaces can be vulnerable to decay. Exposed root surfaces contain microscopic tubules in the dentin that lead into the tooth's center. These tubules channel stimulation from cold, heat, acids and sweets into the tooth's nerve center. This nerve stimulation results in pain.

Treatment for Sensitivity

Medicated tooth pastes & mouth washes containing stannous fluoride/sodium mono-fluoro phosphate & strontium chloride builds protection against painful sensitivity of the teeth due to cold, heat, acids, sweets or contact.

With daily use, they uniformly occludes dentinal tubules, building up a protective layer to provide optimal sensitivity relief. The advantage in stannous fluoride formulation is that it creates a densely mineralized layer, formed from stable stannous fluoride and salivary minerals, across the dentinal surfaces. This blankets exposed roots in a protective fluoridated covering which helps make them more resistant to demineralisation. The blocking of open tubules leads to effective pain relief.

This also builds a protective fluoridated layer, the fluoride is incorporated into the dentin to help fight caries and keep teeth healthy.

Treatments for dental hypersensitivity include:

• removing the risk factors by educating about dietary acids and other oral care habits
• recommending different tooth brushing methods
• recommending a desensitising agent for home use
• applying topical desensitising agents professionally
• The treatments can be invasive or non-invasive. Invasive procedures include gingival surgery, application of resins, or a pulpectomy. Non-invasive measures should always be considered first.

Laser therapy is another option for treating dental hypersensitivity. The Erbium Yag laser can reduce tooth sensitivity in just one treatment although re-treatment may be necessary in time with some patients. It is safe, simple, non-chemical, painless, and tissue-preserving. Sensitivity can occur when the tiny openings in the dentine layer conduct hot and cold to the tooth's nerve endings. Scanning the laser across each sensitive tooth for about a minute fuses the opening closed, eliminating the sensitivity problem.

A desensitising toothpaste contains ingredients that reduce sensitivity by filling channels in the dentin. A fluoride rinse can help to decrease sensitivity. It is especially good people that have decay problems. Keep your teeth clean by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once. Use a soft toothbrush. Brushing with too much force and/or brushing with a hard bristled brush can actually damage the protective tooth enamel.

There are also some homoeopathic remedies that can help. These include:

• aconite - for teeth that are very sensitive to dry, cold wind
• chamomilla - for teeth sensitive to warm drinks, coffee, and sensitive at night
• coffea cruda - for convulsive grinding of teeth, and pain worse from menses
• hypericum - for nerve pains, especially after dental work
• lachesis - when pain extends to the ears
• mag phos - for very cold or movement sensitive teeth where the pain moves from one tooth to another
• mercurius sol - for teeth that feel tender and elongated
• nux vomica - for very cold sensitive, boring or drawing pain, often with coldness or after strenuous physical labour
• plantago major - for teeth that are very sensitive to movement