Innovative or Novel products for the treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity

Title: Innovative or Novel products for the treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity

Abstract:

Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) is a clinical problem that may impact on the quality of life of individuals who may experience discomfort when eating and drinking hot and cold food and drink during their day to day activities. Currently there is no ideal desensitizing product (Over-the-counter [toothpaste or mouthwash] or dentist applied) that provides both fast acting and long lasting protection against the pain associated with DH. It may, however be unreasonable to expect that any one desensitizing product or treatment approach would successful resolve all the clinical factors associated with DH and therefore the search for the ideal desensitizing agent must be implemented (Gillam et al. 2013). Currently toothpastes, gels and mouthwashes are designed to reduce or relieve pain arising from DH based on either their 1) tubular occluding or 2) nerve desensitization properties. Generally speaking, toothpaste formulations which cover the root surface and occlude the tubules tend to reduce fluid flow, however it would be more advantageous for toothpastes to not only cover the surface of the dentine but also penetrate deeper into the tubule in order to provide deep a more durable longer lasting effect. Toothpastes that occlude the tubules only at the surface are likely to be removed more readily either by acid dissolution or through brushing habits. More recently there has been a development in a number of novel products including bioactive glass, nano-hydroxyapatite, calcium triphosphate, calcium phosphate, self-assembling peptide scaffolds for remineralisation and DH protease inhibitors as well as combination techniques such as lasers and the application of professionally applied desensitizing products. This presentation will provide an overview of the current treatment modalities, techniques and products and will provide an update on the various innovative or novel products that have been suggested to be effective desensitizing products based on in vitro and clinical evidence.

Biography:

David Geoffrey Gillam graduated from Edinburgh Dental School in 1977 and has been actively involved in Dentistry for over 45 years. He has worked in both clinical practice and university dental hospitals, as well as in industry (1998-2001), initially with SmithKline Beecham and later with Block Drug Company. From 2003 to 2008, he worked with a Clinical Research Organization as a Research Dentist. He also served as a full-time Clinical Reader (Associate Professor) in Translational Research related to Dentistry at Bart’s and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL in London (2009-2022). Currently, David is a part-time Professor at QMUL, although he no longer practices dentistry. His primary research interest lies in Periodontology, particularly the management of dentine hypersensitivity, and he has also developed an interest in the development of dental materials for both professional and consumer use. David has published over 100 papers on various dental topics and has contributed to several books, both as an Editor and as a chapter contributor.