title: Dentine hypersensitivity--guidelines for the management of a common oral health problem.
abstract: Dentine hypersensitivity (DHS) remains a worldwide under-reported and under-managed problem, despite making some dental treatments more stressful than necessary and having a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. This article is designed to build dental professionals' confidence and remove any confusion regarding the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of sensitive teeth caused by dentine hypersensitivity in those patients known to be at risk. There is a need for simple guidelines, which can be readily applied in general practice. However, it is also obvious that one strategy cannot suit all patients. This review describes a DHS management scheme for dental professionals that is linked to management strategies targeted at three different groups of patient. These patient groups are: 1) patients with gingival recession; 2) treatment patients with toothwear lesions; and 3) patients with periodontal disease and those receiving periodontal treatment. The authors also acknowledge the role of industry as well as dental professionals in a continuing role in educating the public on the topic of sensitive teeth. It is therefore important that educational activities and materials for both dental professionals and consumers use common terminology in order to reduce the possibility for confusion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review article provides practical, evidence-based guidance on the management of dentine hypersensitivity for dental professionals covering diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Sensitivity associated with gingival recession, toothwear and periodontal disease and periodontal treatment are specifically addressed in the article.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Adult Oral Health, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gillam
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chesters
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Attrill
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brunton
authors.forename: Mabel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Slater
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Strand
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Whelton
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bartlett
mesh_terms: D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019234:Dentinal Fluid / Q000502:physiology; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D057085:Tooth Wear / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents