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Do you suffer from dental sensitivity?
Dental sensitivity is a very common problem affecting 25% of the adult population.
It consists of a strong dental pain that appears after contact with an external stimulus (drinks and/or acidic, cold or hot food).
Patients with bruxism, orthodontic appliance wearers or older people with high drug consumption are at greater risk of suffering from this problem.
It should be noted that in recent years its incidence has increased, especially among young people, due to new consumption habits (abuse of energy drinks, soft drinks, etc.).
It is very important to treat excessive dental sensitivity (or dental hypersensitivity), therefore, one should go to the dentist in order to rule out other pathologies, as well as to carry out an adequate treatment.
Habits and care to be taken
Here are some basic tips for maintaining proper oral hygiene adapted to patients who suffer from dental sensitivity:
1) Eat a balanced diet rich in fruit and poor in foods with added sugars such as sweets, soft drinks, juices with added sugars
2) Use toothbrushes and accessories (floss, silk, tape or interdental brushes) to achieve a thorough cleaning.
3) Use mouthwashes and toothpastes specially formulated with desensitizing agents, high concentrations of fluorine and low abrasiveness.
Specialized products
Potassium nitrate is currently the most widely used desensitizing agent. This ingredient acts directly on the nerve endings located in the exposed dentinal tubules, thus reducing the transmission of painful stimuli.
On the other hand, fluoride at high concentrations strengthens the structure of tooth enamel and the exposed dentine layers, thus helping to control the discomfort of dental hypersensitivity.
Finally, the abrasiveness of toothpastes is measured by a parameter called RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) whose value depends mainly on the type and amount of silica they contain.
The higher the RDA index, the more abrasive the toothpaste. For this reason, for patients suffering from hypersensitivity, the use of toothpastes with low abrasiveness (RDA below 70) is recommended, in order to reduce the erosive effect on the tooth enamel.
Laboratorios KIN has developed SensiKINA specific product range that contributes to optimal oral hygiene while relieving the symptoms of hypersensitivity.
Without a doubt, an unbeatable ally in cases of dental sensitivity.
Suggested reading on dental sensitivity:
Li u HC, et al. (1998) Prevalence and distribution of cervical dentin hypersensitivity in a population in Taipei, Taiwan.J Endod; 24: 45- 7.
Lindhe et al. (1999) Consensus Report - Chronic Periodontitis - Annal of Periodontology - AAP - Chicago v.4, n.1, p.38 (Dec.)
Rees JS, et al. (2003) The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital clinic population in Hong Kong.J Dent; 31: 453-61.
Aguiar et al. (2005) Hipersensibilidade Dentinária - causas e tratamento. Rev Inst Ciênc Saúde jan-mar; 23(1):67-71
Maria C Brunetti; Marilene I Fernandes; Rodrigo G B Moraes FUNDAMENTOS DA PERIODONTIA - Teoria e Prática - 1ª ed. 2007
From Laboratorios KIN we encourage you to share this article to help all people who suffer from dental sensitivity. we encourage you to present your case or send us any questions through the comments.