Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. It is unpleasant, annoying, makes you shiver and even causes real pain. You get it when you eat food that is too cold, too hot or when you bite down on something too hard. A prickling, shivering sensation runs through your teeth and into your gums. There is no doubt about it; you suffer from tooth sensitivity, a very common annoying sensation that all humans suffer from at some point in our lives. Dr. Prof. Alió, an expert in Stomatology, gives advice on how to avoid tooth sensitivity.
What causes tooth sensitivity
The culprit of this unpleasant sensation is the exposure of dentin, the innermost part of the teeth, to external agents. Daily wear and tear, lack of hygiene, consumption of carbonated beverages, harmful habits such as smoking and bruxism cause premature wear of the teeth and, with it, exposure of the dentin.
This is not really a clinical pathology as such, but the sensation it causes in the patient is so unpleasant that many patients consult their dentist to find out how to alleviate it. The key, as in many other oral conditions, is to be rigorous with dental hygiene.
Tips to avoid tooth sensitivity
1. Take care of dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth three times a day on all sides is important, as is brushing every time you eat sugary, sticky foods or drink carbonated beverages.
2. Choose the right toothbrush. There are patients with high dental sensitivity, who already feel chills at the touch of the toothbrush. In these cases it is necessary to buy one with very soft filaments and rounded tips. It is important to brush the mouth without exerting too much pressure.
3. Find the most suitable toothpaste. There are different toothpastes on the market especially for sensitive teeth. Their components are intended to reinforce the dentin so that it is less exposed and less affected by external agents.
4. Flossing and rinsing should not be forgotten. These should also be part of a good dental hygiene routine and should be essential for any patient with tooth sensitivity. The floss allows the elimination of debris that remains in the interdental spaces and the mouthwash removes what is left in the mouth.
5. Take care of your diet. It is important to avoid very acidic foods that damage the dentin and do not eat things that are too hot or too cold. Sudden changes in temperature greatly affect the parts.
6. Avoid harmful habits. Besides smoking, nail biting or chewing on toothpicks and pens also damage the surface of the teeth.