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Experts Publish Consensus-Based Recommendations for Dentin Hypersensitivity
Evidence shows condition is on the rise, but a lack of dialogue means it often goes untreatedEvidence shows condition is on the rise, but a lack of dialogue means it often goes untreated
Key Findings from the Report
- Dentin hypersensitivity is described as "the common cold of dentistry," or "toothbrush disease" when it appears with gingival recession1
- The condition affects as many as 57% of dental patients and peaks between 20 and 40 years of age6
- Gingival recession and acid wear are common paths to dentin hypersensitivity1
- Gingival recession can be caused by overly enthusiastic oral hygiene1
- Traumatic tooth brushing in an otherwise healthy dentition is often undiagnosed and can lead to dentin hypersensitivity6
- The modern acid-containing diet is increasing the prevalence of acid wear1
- Intake of dietary acids, followed by improper toothbrushing, wears down tooth enamel and leaves dentin exposed7
- Prevention of dentin hypersensitivity is the most cost-effective treatment option8
PITTSBURGH, PA — October 2008 — A team of academic leaders has issued a new report, "Consensus-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis & Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity," aiming to help clinicians define, diagnose and treat the condition. The report was issued following recent research which showed that many dental professionals believe the condition is on the rise, but that patients are not routinely screened for dentin hypersensitivity.
The report's authors, Drs. Connie Drisko, David Pashley, Franklin Tay, Van Haywood and Marie Collins, state that modern lifestyles are leading to an emerging set of dental concerns, including gingival recession and acid wear, both of which contribute to dentin hypersensitivity.1 Many dental professionals share this view, according to a 2007 survey2 which found that 79 percent believe the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity is increasing. The survey also found that while 88 percent of dental professionals believe the condition can affect patients' quality of life, many do not routinely screen for it, causing the condition to regularly go undiagnosed. Those findings provided the impetus for GlaxoSmithKline to offer a grant to the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, resulting in the publication of this report, which was peer-reviewed by faculty at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Included in the report is a one-page flowchart for dental professionals to reference, which summarizes the steps in diagnosing and treating dentin hypersensitivity. The publication also explores how factors such as good oral hygiene and the current popularity of vital bleaching may contribute to hypersensitivity for many patients.3 The authors state that prevention is the most cost-effective treatment option, and that a professional's first recommendation upon diagnosis should include twice-daily use of a desensitizing dentifrice, such as Sensodyne®.4
"Clinical trials have shown that twice-daily use of desensitizing dentifrices improves hypersensitivity and increases in effectiveness over time," the authors write. "If, after using a desensitizing toothpaste, the patient's dentin sensitivity remains a problem, clinicians should re-evaluate the differential diagnosis and consider in-office treatments."5
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the products alli, Nicorette, NicoDerm CQ, Commit, Abreva, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, and TUMS, trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies. GlaxoSmithKline is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
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