What is Tooth Sensitivity?
In some cases, the pain may appear even when you inhale cold air.
Enamel, the hard outer covering of the tooth, protects the sensitive dentin from external irritations. When the enamel wears away, the deeper tooth layer, dentin, is revealed.
Dentin communicates through tubules with the cavity that houses the tooth's nerve, which causes hypersensitivity.
To reduce hypersensitivity risk, follow instructions below:
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Proper brushing: Brush your teeth mildly, without excessive strength and use soft toothbrush so as to avoid gum damage that leads to sensitivity.
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Avoid excessive usage of acidic foods and drinks: consuming acidic foods, wait 30 minutes before you brush your teeth, so as to restore oral pH in normal levels
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Regular oral hygien: clean your teeth daily and visit your dentist at least twice per year for cleaning and dental checkup.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Main causes of tooth sensitivity include:
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Erosion from acidic foods or chemical agents - Frequent consumption of acidic foods or drinks, pathological conditions associated with frequent vomiting, and generally low pH in the mouth due to some medication, can cause vulnerability and even enamel destruction.
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Abrasion due to incorrect brushing technique - Excessive force when brushing or using a hard toothbrush can cause gum recession, exposure of dentin, and abrasion of enamel, leading to pain.
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Gum recession and periodontitis - Gum recession and periodontal disease can expose the roots of teeth, causing sensitivity.
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Bruxism - Teeth grinding can wear away enamel through microcracks and cause sensitivity.
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Caries - enamel destruction from caries can reach dentin, causing pain
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Cracked or broken teeth and fillings - when a tooth is cracked or the filling reaches dentin, sensitivity becomes noticeable.
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Teeth Whitening - excessive usage of chemical whitening substances without dental guidance may induce temporary hypersensitivity.
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Dental Treatments - some treatments like plaque removal, sealants or dental bridges may induce temporary sensitivity
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
Hypersensitivity is due to exposed dentin and may be treated by:
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Fluoride toothpastes - strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity. They are not intended for chronic use but only for a specific period of time.
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Localised fluoride application at the practice - of special fluoride varnishes in the sensitive area provides protection.
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Tooth restoration - applying resin (cervical fillings) can cover exposed parts of tooth's root, reducing sensitivity.
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