The Relationship Between Dentine Hypersensitivity and Periodontal Disease

Dentine Hypersensitivity

Dentine Hypersensitivity is a common problem affecting a significantly large proportion of the adult population worldwide.¹ It is a dental pain which is sharp in character and of short duration, arising from exposed dentine surfaces in response to stimuli, typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic, chemical or electrical and which cannot be ascribed to any other dental disease.²

Haleon commissioned a literature review of Dentine Hypersensitivity and Periodontal Disease in order to gain a better understanding of the link between the two conditions.

A total of 45 studies were identified globally between the years of 2000 to 2019.^3-47 All were focused on examining the potential link between Dentine Hypersensitivity and overall Periodontal Disease, as well as the related epidemiology in a general or specific population.

A summary of the review’s findings can be found below.

Diagnosing
Dentine Hypersensitivity

The most commonly affected teeth with Dentine Hypersensitivity are premolars followed by molars and incisors and it can cause pain and discomfort when brushing and eating.^3–13

Discomfort and tooth sensitivity when eating can also limit the range of foods that are being consumed over a prolonged period, thus impacting a patient’s oral health related quality of life.^14,48,49 A DHEQ clinical study provides further insights:

79% of Dentine Hypersensitivity patients avoid contact with certain teeth⁵⁰

81% change the way they eat or drink⁵⁰

77% have avoided cold drinks or foods⁵⁰

Despite the high percentage of patients experiencing stages of Dentine Hypersensitivity, particularly between the ages of 30 and 60 years,^9,49,51 the use of desensitising toothpaste is relatively low.^15-18
Links Between Dentine Hypersensitivity and Periodontal Disease

Dentine Hypersensitivity and Periodontal Disease

A study has shown that 50% of tooth sensitivity sufferers also report gum health issues⁵². More than half of periodontal patients also suffer from Dentine Hypersensitivity [72.5%-98%⁹] and studies carried out in periodontal specialist clinics have reported higher prevalence of tooth sensitivity when compared to general dental practices.¹⁹

In addition, an even greater number of sensitive teeth have been found in patients with Periodontal Disease who smoke which may be because it increases the likelihood of recession in periodontal tissues.^20,53

Could Dentine Hypersensitivity increase the risk of Periodontal Disease? It has been reported that as many as 31% of people with tooth sensitivity also admit to changing their tooth-brushing techniques in order to avoid affected areas³. The early-stage of Periodontal Disease is gingivitis, caused when plaque is allowed to accumulate at the gingival margin. If the sensitive tooth pain is significant it could negatively impact plaque control and consequently a patient’s gingival health.
Links Between Gingival Recession and Dentine Hypersensitivity

Gingival Recession and Dentine Hypersensitivity

Gingival Recession has been identified as the periodontal condition with the highest predisposition for Dentine Hypersensitivity, particularly root or cervical sensitivity (39% to 96% of patients with Dentine Hypersensitivity have Gingival Recession).^3,5,20

Estimates of the overall prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity vary widely, depending on the parameters used and population investigated. In the US, for example, between 8% and 57% of adults are likely to be affected – with up to 30% experiencing Dentine Hypersensitivity at some time in their lives.⁹ Among patients with periodontitis, this rate increases to between 60% and 98%.⁹ The prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity is proven to increase dramatically after surgical procedures (from 76.8% to 80.4%²²) when compared to non-surgical periodontal therapy such as Scaling and Root Planing (53%).²³

The intensity of Dentine Hypersensitivity has also been shown to increase during the first 1-3 weeks following periodontal therapy and then subsides over time (8 weeks), with or without any post-operative maintenance.^21,24

Given what we know about the impact of Dentine Hypersensitivity on tooth-brushing (avoiding brushing the sensitive area) and plaque control, it is important to consider effective treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity so that a patient can effectively brush all their teeth in order to maintain and support the periodontal treatment.

Man looking in the mirror while brushing his teeth

Conclusion

Driving greater awareness of both Dentine Hypersensitivity and Periodontal Disease (including gingivitis) may help to improve gum health and oral health outcomes for patients.¹⁴

The effective diagnosis and treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity may help patients conduct effective toothbrushing, and thereby help maintain the positive outcome/effectiveness of periodontal treatment.^21,49

In both cases, the use of a dentine hypersensitivity toothpaste may be beneficial, and may aid long-term patient outcomes.^48,49 It may also help with compliance, as patients often change their toothbrushing techniques to avoid affected areas.³

Sensodyne – Help your patients enjoy life without sensitivity

Sensitivity & Gum

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Sensitivity Condition

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Patient care resources

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The Sensodyne range

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Psychology of sensitivity

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Impact on patient quality of life

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References

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Haleon Data on File, 204930 2017
Davari AR et al. J Dent Shiraz Univ Med Sci. 2013;14(3):136-145.
IPSOS (2014) IPSOS, file, G.D.o., 'Sensodyne P55 incidence claim (17-093453-01)'.
West NX et al. Clin Oral Invest. 2013; 17(Suppl 1): S9-S19

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PM-BH-SENO-24-00003Date of Preparation: February 2024

The Relationship Between Dentine Hypersensitivity and Periodontal Disease

Dentine Hypersensitivity

Dentine Hypersensitivity

Dentine Hypersensitivity and Periodontal Disease

Gingival Recession and Dentine Hypersensitivity

Conclusion

Sensodyne – Help your patients enjoy life without sensitivity

Sensitivity & Gum

Sensitivity Condition

Patient care resources

The Sensodyne range

Psychology of sensitivity

Impact on patient quality of life

References