DTAP0310

Issue 2 March 2010 Brushing off Proper Technique Helps Prevent Potential Oral Problems There is a growing professional awareness that dentinal hypersensitivity is one of the top five oral problems which may compel an individual to seek dental care. Dentinal hypersensitivity is described clinically as a short, sharp pain due to exposed dentinal tubules responding to a variety of external stimuli which includes thermal, osmotic, mechanical, evaporative, and tactile stimuli. Common treatment modalities usually involve prevention of the occurrence of nerve stimulation by either occluding the dentinal tubules or altering the nerve stimulation process. Reduction or elimination of risk factors, which include appropriate behavioral conditioning among others, is also an integral component of managing dentinal hypersensitivity. The exposure of dentinal tubules is generally attributed to the loss of tooth substance, both enamel and cementum. One of the factors contributing to the surface loss is poor tooth brushing technique. If done injudiciously, toothbrushing, the very activity designed to protect Opening of the dentinal tubules ( Scanning Electron Microscope) Dentin Hyper the health of the dentition, may actually be a significan t factor in undermining the tooth structure and, in consequence, oral health, itself. Vigorous and horizontally directed strokes particularly on the gum area can wear a v-shaped abrasion on the neck of the tooth. This will render a large number of dentinal tubules exposed and open to the oral environment and the fluids inside vulnerable to rapid pressure changes which in turn elicit nerve response perceived as a painful sensation by the patient. Behavioral modification coupled with the use of “tissue friendly” soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste may significantly prevent the unnecessary exposure of dentinal tubules. Using soft-bristled tooth brush, the patient may direct the tufts at a 45-degree angle around the gum area and apply deliberate but gentle sweeping strokes along the tooth surface towards the incisal or cuspal surfaces. The gum area should also be covered in the gentle brushing to aid in YOUR PARTNER IN ORAL HEALTH PARTNER N ORAL HEALTH N R E