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Hartford Dentist

Don't be So Sensitive!

It should not be painful to enjoy the latest flavor of ice cream or to indulge in your favorite cup of coffee. There is a new revolutionary treatment that can help relieve you of your discomfort while eating your favorite foods. It is available now, plus it is as easy to acquire as a visit to your dentist or a trip to the drug store.

Dental Hypersensitivity is one of the chief complaints and cause of tooth pain. It affects over 40 million people in the United States.1 Most people think they have a cracked tooth, cavities, or nerve damage, however dental hypersensitivity is most likely the source of discomfort. Studies show that dental hypersensitivity in the general population can be as high as 57%. 2. As a dental professional, I have seen many patients who suffer from sharp and sudden pain that usually happens when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. This is dentin hypersensitivity.

Why do your teeth get sensitive?

The main cause of dental hypersensitivity is gum recession which leads to the roots of the teeth becoming exposed. When the root surface is exposed, a simple act of brushing the root can remove or damage the protective layer on the root. Aggressive brushing, using very abrasive toothpaste and gum disease can cause the gums to recede. Other less common cause of gum recession is acid erosion caused by reflux disease, bulimia, or over drinking and eating acidic foods. Smoking tobacco, dental bleaching, also can be very stressful to the roots of the teeth. As a dental hygienist, I have seen that people with bruxism which is the condition of clenching and grinding the teeth, will almost always have dental hypersensitivity.

If you were to take a magnifying glass to the exposed root surface of teeth, you would see thousands of microscopic tubules that radiate from the pulp or nerve of the tooth.There is fluid in these tiny tubules. Changes in the flow of the fluid present in the dental tubules can trigger a pain response. This flow of fluid can be increased by cold, hot, touch,air, sugar or anything that comes in contact with the tooth. So as you bite in that salted caramel ice cream, the coldness and sweetness of the treat triggers the fluid in the exposed area of your teeth and causes the discomfort that makes you wish you never took a bite!

Here are a few Facts about Dental Hypersensitivity:

It can affect people at any age, mainly 30-50 years of age

It affects 1 out of 5 people

Females are more likely to develop dentin hypersensitivity

It is most common on canine or premolar teeth

Right handed people tend to brush their left side of their mouth more zealously and vice versa, which results in hypersensitivity in the mouth.

How can you prevent or heal Dentin Hypersensitivity when it occurs?

Most people will experience some form of sensitivity in their lifetime. Unless you live in a bubble and never eat, drink or brush your teeth, your dentin can and will be exposed. However, you can control major problems that affect Dental hypersensitivity.

Always brush with a soft brush.The best thing you can do is use a power brush like the Oral-B PRO Smartseries that has a built in pressure sensor that will alert you when you are too aggressive in your bruising.

Avoid very acidic foods and drinks like sour candies, soda and power drinks.

If you clench or grind your teeth, STOP! The high pressure causes abfraction which is a condition that destroys the teeth at the gumline. Grinding can also wear down the chewing surface of the teeth.

There are many toothpastes and gels on the market that have been recommended to help with cavities and to protect the gumline of sensitive teeth. Some patients experience relief with these methods, however these products need to be used daily for several weeks before results are felt. Also these sensitive toothpaste tend to have poor taste thus compliance is not satisfactory. Studies show that only 4 in 10 people are satisfied with their current sensitive toothpaste.3

Crest Sensi-stop Strips are a new revolutionary treatment for dental sensitivity. These strips are targeted directly to the affected area and do not require daily application. In my dental office I am able to provide instant relief with one strip in 10 minutes. I am a hero to my patients.

My patient Carolyn, came to her recare exam with general sensitivity and her upper left premolars very painful to cold liquids and just breathing in air! She stated that the pain started a few months ago, however it was beginning to get worse and it was affecting her daily life.

I discussed Crest Sensi-Stop strips with her and why this new treatment would solve her problem. After a tactile exam I was able to identify the tooth on the upper left area that was the source of her pain. I applied the strip along the gumline covering the exposed root surface. After waiting 10 minutes, I peeled back the strip and immediately Carolyn was excited “I did not feel that!” she exclaimed. After a temperature and tactile test she was still elated. The strip had relieved her of all discomfort. I gave her the rest of the package and explained how to use it on other areas that may become sensitive. I explained that this relief should last about a month and that by reapplying a new strip to that area she should be able to continue to eat ice cream again!

Crest Sensi-Stop Strips has totally changed my recommendations for relief of sensitive teeth. I now feel confident that I can provide relief quickly and effectively. I am also glad that patients can purchase these strips any where and have access to relief whenever they need it. When you are looking for immediate results and relief from dental sensitivity, Crest Sensi-Stop Strips are exactly what you need. Ask your dental professional for further information or visit www.GetSensitivityRelief.com.

Remember, Smiles Creates Happiness… Create Yours!