Professional help a must for long-term tooth sensitivity cure

By Dr Raminay Farooqi

Though millions of Pakistanis suffer from teeth sensitivity, and experience its acuteness when they feel a sudden discomfort while enjoying simple pleasures like having a scoop of ice cream or sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even when they just take a breath of chilly air, only a small portion of the county’s affected population seeks professional help by visiting a dentist.

Recent surveys conducted in Pakistan have unveiled a surprising statistic -- one in three individuals grapples with sensitive teeth, but astonishingly, only one in three of these individuals seeks professional treatment. Instead, they often turn to temporary remedies at home, unaware that lasting solutions are not far.

The high prevalence of sensitive teeth in Pakistan can be attributed to a lack of awareness even among the patients, which leads to harmful brushing habits. The condition worsens with an   excessive use of acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, pickles, and tea, along with occupational exposure to acids, tooth whitening agents, and GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which expedites the erosion of cementum and the exposure of dentine.

Effectively addressing this growing issue necessitates the identification and elimination of predisposing factors. This includes controlling the consumption of acidic foods and beverages. For individuals with tooth decay due to grinding habit, counseling becomes essential, and in more complex cases, the use of an occlusal guard is recommended.

Historically, the most widely used noninvasive treatment for sensitive teeth has been the application of desensitising agents. These treatments can be categorised as at-home therapy and in-office therapy. The at-home options comprise use of desensitising toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gums, while the in-office treatments involve the application of gels, solutions, varnishes, sealers, Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC), and adhesives. These products typically contain beneficial ingredients such as potassium salts, fluoride, and calcium.

For patients who continue to experience sensitivity despite trying various treatments, more advanced options are available, including direct restoration of hard tissue defects, which can be achieved through resin-based composites or GIC. The indirect restoration with crowns and veneers or surgical correction of gingival recession with free gingival grafts may also provide effective, long-lasting solutions.

In acute cases where sensitivity persists despite all other treatments, dentists may suggest root canal therapy as a last resort.

In conclusion, the management of sensitive teeth relies on long-term strategies. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding acidic foods, and seeking treatment for any underlying medical or psychological conditions are all critical steps toward achieving a pain-free smile. Pakistan is making strides toward better oral health, and with increased awareness and the right interventions, the issue can be resolved.