New treatment for sensitive teeth

Many individuals experience sensitivity that can affect their quality of life.  Eating can be painful, stepping out in the cold of winter can be uncomfortable, and professional cleanings can be unbearable.  

Sensitivity occurs when the dentin of the tooth becomes exposed, usually from the gums pulling away from the tooth which is called recession.  The dentin is constructed of small holes called dentinal tubules.  Each one of these tubules provides nerve conduction from the outside world into the nerve of the tooth causing pain or sensitivity.

Sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors.  These may include aggressive brushing, gingival recession, clenching and grinding, and acidic or sugary foods.

There are many ways to treat sensitivity.  Crest has introduced an innovative way to treat sensitivity using convenient flexible strips.

“Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips are thin, flexible sensitivity strips that contain an active ingredient used by dental professionals. The unique strip is designed to deliver targeted contact to sensitive teeth. The Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips are applied along the gum line to allow the active ingredient to form a lasting barrier by blocking the exposed tubules, microscopic channels in the dentin that serve as the pathways to the nerve. Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips prevents hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages from stimulating the nerve and causing pain.”

http://www.crest.com/crestsensistop/what-causes-sensitive-teeth.aspx).

The active ingredient in Crest Sensi-stop strips is dipotassium oxalate which is accessible in a gel form placed on convenient adhesive strips.  Placement of these strips on the exposed root surface allows the dipotassium oxalate to block the nerve, inside the dentinal tubules, from feeling the stimulus from the outside world. 

The application of Crest Sensi-stop strips is easy and painless.  Crest has a great video on how to apply the Crest Sensi-stop strips.  At http://www.crest.com/crestsensistop/how-sensi-stop-strips-work.aspx

How much do Crest Sensi-stop strips cost?  Pricing from P&G E-store, CVS Pharmacy, Wal-Mart and drugstore-1 for 6 strips ranged from $17.96-$21.99.  Amazon came in with $26.99 for 12 strips and $24.96 for 10 strips. 

Tess Hulet RDH, MHSM

Reference

http://www.crest.com/crestsensistop/what-causes-sensitive-teeth.aspx).

Mary S., Runner S, Sulpher, Feb 14, 2014. pg2   

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf13/K132426.pdf