Who doesn’t feel like eating a cool ice cream or a delicious slushy with the arrival of summer? For most people it is a real pleasure on the hottest days, but for many others it becomes an ordeal because tooth sensitivity is more common than we can imagine.
What is tooth sensitivity and what is its origin?
Tooth sensitivity is defined as an acute dental pain that occurs when the dentin, which is protected by the gum, root cementum and tooth enamel, loses its natural protection and becomes exposed. Dentin contains thousands of microscopic tubes, called dentinal tubules, which connect the outside of the tooth to the nerve endings. When the tooth loses its protection due to gum recession and/or wear of the tooth enamel, these tubules are open to the outside, allowing external stimuli to reach the nerve endings and cause the sensation of pain. This pain is easily identified since it always appears in response to diverse but clearly recognizable stimuli such as the consumption of very cold or hot foods or drinks, sweet or acidic substances, brushing teeth, breathing cold air or tactile pressure. If the pain is not related to a specific stimulus and/or persists after the stimulus has ceased or is not well localized, the cause is probably not tooth sensitivity and could be due to the existence of other oral pathologies such as dental caries, for example.
Does it affect a large population?
Tooth sensitivity affects 20%-35% of the population and can have important repercussions on those who suffer from it. It is important to know the causes that provoke it and the keys to its treatment in order to prevent and combat this annoying dental disorder.
And what are its causes?
Numerous situations cause exposure of the dentinal tubules and can lead to tooth sensitivity. These are usually related to the patients’ lifestyle and daily oral hygiene habits:
- Inadequate toothbrushing in strength and/or frequency and very abrasive toothpaste can cause abrasion of the enamel and/or cementum, exposing the dentin.
- Acidic foods and drinks (citrus juices, carbonated soft drinks, etc.) cause decalcification or erosion of the tooth, especially at the neck.
- Excessive chewing force (occlusal trauma, bruxism) or bad habits of the patient can cause wear (attrition and/or abfraction) and dentin exposure.
- The periodontal treatmentespecially surgery, can remove part of the gingiva leading to gingival recession.
- General pathologies or certain situations that cause an acidic oral environment, such as stomach pathologies (ulcer, hiatal hernia, etc.), psychological (bulimia, anorexia nervosa) or professional (wine tasters, bakers, etc.).
- It can also appear as a consequence of gingival recession caused by dental treatment, such as professional cleaning, basic periodontal treatment or orthodontics.
What are the possible repercussions of tooth sensitivity?
It can be a very uncomfortable dental problem that affects the lives of those who suffer from it. In the first place, people with dental sensitivity tend to avoid the stimuli that produce it (some acidic or sweet foods, certain food temperatures, etc.), so they stop consuming foods and beverages that they like. However, clinically more important is the fact that patients with dental sensitivity have worse oral hygiene because of the pain they suffer when they perform it. This translates into less dedication to brushing and less effective brushing, resulting in more plaque accumulation and, therefore, a higher prevalence of related pathologies, such as caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.
How can it be treated?
For the treatment of tooth sensitivity, proper oral hygiene with specific products is essential:
- Specific toothbrush for tooth sensitivity, with extra soft filaments for gentle cleaning, using a proper brushing technique.
- Non-abrasive toothpaste or gel and mouthwashes with active ingredients for tooth sensitivity.
When these measures fail to reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity, treatments such as the application of desensitizing gels, adhesive resins to seal the tubules or gum grafts to cover recessions will be performed in the dental clinic. In very extreme cases the tooth can be devitalized with an endodontic treatment if necessary.
Tips to combat tooth sensitivity:
- If acidic foods or drinks have been consumed, allow some time (five minutes) before brushing so that the saliva can neutralize the acid pH and the enamel is not softened at the time of brushing, thus reducing its wear. Consume foods that counteract the erosive effect on the enamel (milk, cheese, etc.).
- Use toothbrushes specifically designed for tooth sensitivity with extra soft, rounded filaments to avoid damaging teeth and gums. Carry out brushing with gentle rotating or sweeping movements from the gum towards the tooth, without pressing too hard. Use specific toothpastes for the treatment of sensitive teeth that are not very abrasive.
- Avoid inappropriate use of toothpicks. There are interproximal hygiene elements that take care of teeth and gums.
Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Contact us!
