Oral hygiene and periodontal considerations in preventing and managing dentine hypersensitivity

Abstract

The onset of dentine hypersensitivity is almost exclusively associated with exposed dentine due to tooth wear or to gingival recession, or at times both tooth wear and gingival recession. Recession secondary to periodontal disease is thought to be related to poor oral hygiene, while overzealous, incorrect tooth brushing may be responsible for the recession associated with good oral hygiene. However, the aetiology of gingival recession is multifactorial and is therefore unlikely to be caused by any single factor. Dentine hypersensitivity is preceded by gingival recession and exposure of the root surface. Acidic and erosive foods and drinks combined with vigorous tooth brushing and highly abrasive dentifrices are likely to elicit dentine hypersensitivity. Successful treatment of patients with mild sensitivity and minimal recession can be accomplished in most cases simply by correcting destructive oral hygiene habits in conjunction with use of a desensitising dentifrice. Moderate to severe dentine hypersensitivity in the presence of gingival recession ≥1 mm usually requires a surgical root coverage procedure with or without daily use of desensitising toothpastes and/or professional application of desensitising agents, dentine bonding materials, or cervical restorations.