Although it’s not life threatening, dentin hypersensivity can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life. Daily use of special toothpaste can significantly change the situation and, if used correctly, can reduce the impact of factors such as cold food and drinks.
Desensitizing toothpaste
For quite some time now there are options for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity in surgery, but the basis of non-invasive treatment is the use of desensitizing toothpaste twice a day.
The use of desensitizing toothpaste has become a recognized treatment option of increased dentin sensitivity since the appearance of such pastes in the 1960s.
It is recommended for use twice a day to stop the pain and relieve the main symptoms. However, over the years, patients often experience a decrease in effectiveness, since the pain only subsides, and resumes again over time. So, how can we attract patients to follow the recommendations for treating dentin hypersensitivity with daily desensitizing toothpaste?
Factors affecting compliance with recommendations
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Patient demographics, including age – a low level of compliance has been established in case with middle-aged patients and people under 40 due to other life obligations, including work that has priority.
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Level of education – practice shows that patients with higher education better understand the conditions and methods of treatment, therefore, they are more likely to fulfill them.
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Marital status – in some cases, married patients are more obedient, which reflects the importance of supporting the spouse in following the treatment regimen.
The beliefs and motives of patients regarding therapy play a very important role.
Practice shows that better compliance is achieved when patients:
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believe that they are prone to complications
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know the potential consequences of not being treated
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the duration of the treatment period – people are more compliant in acute conditions
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but patients with the absence or change of symptoms may poorly follow the recommendations
It is very important to explain to patients that the symptoms will disappear during treatment, but it is important to continue the doctor’s recommendations, because otherwise the symptoms will return and further use will not make the treatment less effective.