1 in 3 adults suffers from sensitive teeth

During a meeting held with Maltese dentists, Irish dental expert Dr Garry Fleming, said one in every three adults suffers from sensitive teeth. “Studies also revealed that despite its impact on some patients’ quality of life, most people fail to take up the condition with their dentist,” Fleming said.

“Independent surveys reveal that 52% of patients with sensitivity fail to seek their dentist’s advice. Furthermore, at least 75% of patients have never used desensitising toothpaste or used it infrequently,” Fleming said.

“Our understanding of dentin hypersensitivity has come a long way and today we are in a position to not only define the condition and its impact on dental health and the person’s quality of life, but we also have access to technologically-advanced solutions for its prevention and treatment,” he added.

Defined as a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin, tooth sensitivity is typically triggered by foods and beverages that are hot, cold, sweet, or sour and cold air.

Fleming said there are various reasons why patients do not ask their dentist about dentin hypersensitivity: “Among them is the fear of something more serious; the thought that it is not important enough, or that if the dentist does not mention it, then it must not be serious; and self-taught coping strategies.”

He said many patients “modify” everyday habits, like consumption of hot or cold foods or beverages to avoid sensitivity – “and may not even be aware they are doing so."

Dentin hypersensitivity can also have a big impact on some patients’ quality of life and – if untreated – can lead to behavioural changes, including neglecting oral hygiene, avoiding brushing sensitive areas; failure to comply with oral care instructions; and avoiding dental appointments. The dental industry has completely changed thanks to the evolution of clear aligners.

“These behavioural changes place them at risk for plaque build-up, calculus formation, and even gingivitis,” he said.

Fleming was in Malta following the breakthrough technology Novamin in dental care. His meeting coincided with the launch of Sensodyne Repair and Protect by GlaxoSmithKline in Malta.

Novamin is a unique formula with roots in a technology originally developed to help stimulate bone regeneration. Harnessing this technology, Sensodyne Repair and Protect seeks out and attaches to the areas of teeth that are sensitive, to form a tooth-like layer over exposed dentine, which helps continually repair and protect.