Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and Treatments
Tooth sensitivity is known as one of the most common problems caused by ordinary things: a too hard brush, frequent use of sweets or sugar-sweetened beverages. In some cases, dental hyperesthesia resulted by natural processes in the body and may eventually disappear. Our dental clinic specialists will tell you about causes of tooth sensitivity and what to do in this case.
What is tooth sensitivity
Strong tooth sensitivity usually occurs upon dentin exposure. Dentin is the part of the dental tissue above the pulp with nerve endings. Sensitivity is a consequence of tooth enamel thinning or significant gingival recession.
Sensitive front teeth are most common. Pain can affect a single tooth or multiple teeth and is caused by cold, hot food and drinks, sweet or sour foods. Often, enamel hyperesthesia is a short-term process and the pain subsides till another intake of irritating food.
To determine the true causes of sensitivity, you have to consult the doctor. The dentist will conduct an examination and assess the degree of dentine exposure. After all, a sensitive tooth is often a sign of caries or periodontitis.
Notice! Significant changes in hormonal levels may trigger hyperesthesia. Therefore, according to dentists, tooth sensitivity is often observed during pregnancy and during menopause. In these cases, to restore the normal mineral metabolism in the body is usually enough. The problem goes away after taking dietary supplements or mineral and vitamin complexes prescribed by a specialist.
Increased sensitivity of the teeth – the reasons can be different, such as:
- Gingival diseases.
- Filling wear.
- Mechanical damage to the tooth.
- Caries.
- Enamel thinning.
- Exposed dental root.
- Applying a stiff toothbrush.
- Improper brushing of teeth.
- Frequent consumption of sweets, soda, sour foods.
- Aggressive bleaching methods.
If you wear micro-thin shells, the doctor should check the veneers – teeth sensitivity may be associated.
What can be done at home
You can reduce tooth sensitivity, caused by the dentin exposure. In this case, you have to eat healthy food and change the dental care tactics.
- Change your toothbrush – choose a soft-bristled one or start using a sonic toothbrush.
- Reduce your intake of sour and sugary foods.
- Eat warm food, neither too hot nor too cold.
- Choose a gentle, low abrasive paste (for sensitive teeth).
- Brush gently to reduce frictions and pressure on the enamel.
- After each meal, rinse your mouth with warm water.
These tips will help temporarily desensitize the teeth, but all the same you need to consult a dentist. If the problem is caused by dental caries, then treatment is required. And in case of gingival disease, a professional hygienic teeth cleaning is prescribed.
Professional treatment of tooth sensitivity
To fix hyperesthesia, doctors use special protective fluoride varnishes. They are applied to close microscopic pores in the enamel and the dentinal tubules. Fluoride, calcium, magnesium compounds, designed to strengthen an enamel layer, are used as well.
One of the most effective procedures at the dental clinic is the application of a composite material. This is another step for sealing an exposed dentin layer. The applied layer acts as a barrier between the enamel and aggressive irritants – cold, hot, brush bristle, sour and sweet foods.
In too sensitive teeth, a special mouthguard is indicated. It is filled with high fluoride gel or a solution. Keep the mouthguard in your mouth for 5 minutes. During this time, the dentition is saturated with fluoride, which provides a long-term effect of strengthening the enamel.
If you have a high tooth sensitivity, Denta Vita clinic specialists will determine causes of the problem and prescribe effective treatment methods for your case. Come to us and we will help you preserve and restore your teeth.