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.”
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.
Application of Crest Sensi-stop strips is easy and
painless. Chest 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
Mary S., Runner S, Sulpher, Feb, 14, 2014. pg2
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf13/K132426.pdf
