There are many people who notice intense pain when they drink something cold or hot, eat or brush their teeth, which may mean that they suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity is caused because the soft part of the tooth, or dentin, is gradually exposed. If the dentin loses its protective layer, the tooth becomes more sensitive to hot, cold and even acidic foods by arousing nerves and cells inside the tooth. It is this stimulation that causes hypersensitivity and pain not only when chewing or drinking, but also when breathing through the mouth.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
There are a number of factors that can cause the patient to suffer increased tooth sensitivity:
- Aggressive tooth brushing. Sometimes brushing your teeth too hard or too often, or using toothbrushes with hard bristles, can cause more sensitivity. Brushing our teeth the wrong way can also lead to gum recession. The solution to this cause lies in changing toothbrushes and using one with soft bristles, combined with a proper brushing technique.
- Bruxism. Grinding the teeth means that the patient clenches them. This bad habit can weaken the covering that protects the teeth (enamel) and make them more sensitive. The solution may be to use a protective splint.
- Cracked teeth. A crack from the upper surface to the root can cause hypersensitivity.
- Gum recession. If the gum surrounding a tooth is removed, the root is exposed. As it has nothing to cover it, it will be more vulnerable to tooth sensitivity. This recession may be due to overly aggressive brushing, poor oral hygiene or periodontitis. A periodontal check-up can help the patient with this problem.
- Dental treatments. Specific dental treatments may cause tooth sensitivity for a short period of time. Some examples are orthodontics, restoration of teeth, teeth whitening or tooth extraction. If the sensitivity continues, it is important to see a specialist in Dentistry and Stomatology or a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
How is tooth sensitivity treated?
The main method to solve tooth sensitivity is to use special toothpastes. Nowadays there is a wide variety of toothpastes for different tooth sensitivity problems. Some of them contain fluoride and mouthwashes, but the most important thing is to follow a correct brushing technique. On the other hand, it is also advisable to see a dentist, who will identify the cause of the sensitivity and propose the best treatment in each case.