Hypersensitivity of the teeth – causes, and treatment
If eating certain foods, such as cold or hot food or drinks, causes you discomfort, you may be suffering from hyperaesthesia, or, more simply, hypersensitivity of the teeth.
Painful episodes can also be triggered by quite normal activities, such as brushing your teeth or inhaling cold air through your mouth. This problem is quite common, so let’s find out how you can reduce sensitivity and get rid of discomfort.
Why does tooth hypersensitivity occur?
One of the main causes is damage to tooth enamel, which protects the internal tissues of the tooth from external influences, including temperature changes. The base of the tooth, the dentin, contains microscopic tubules that lead to the nerve. And if the enamel is worn away or thinned, it opens up access to the dentin tubules and nerve endings. This is when the tooth starts to react to an irritant – too hot or cold, too sour or sweet. Particularly affected are those with naturally thin tooth enamel, but with wide dentinal tubules.
Causes of excessive tooth sensitivity
- Brushing too hard or too often
Overly stiff toothbrushes may make the problem worse. Remember that all things are in moderation – you should not brush more than twice a day or overdo it with a professional oral hygiene routine.
- Gum recession caused by periodontal disease
If the gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed, which does not have any protective enamel and will be very sensitive to changes in temperature.
- Bruxism
It’s simple – if you have a bad habit of grinding your teeth, over time, the enamel will wear away, exposing the dentin.
- A disease of the nervous or endocrine system
- If there are no external causes, see your endocrinologist or neurologist for a check-up and you may have a medical problem that causes your enamel to thin.
- Hormonal problems, pregnancy, and menopause
Changes in hormone levels can cause changes in mineral metabolism which can affect enamel quality.
How can I avoid the discomfort of a highly sensitive tooth?
Try to use a soft toothbrush, avoid pressing too hard when brushing, and choose a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Try to brush vertically, from the gumline to the rim, as brushing horizontally will wear your enamel down more quickly.
Avoid eating too many sweet and sour foods, do not eat or drink hot food after a cold one, and vice versa. Do not forget to take good care of your teeth, treat cavities and gum disease in time if they occur and make sure you tell your dentist about the problem of hypersensitivity – he or she will find the right treatment.
Ways to treat hypersensitivity of the teeth
Above all, it is important to strengthen the enamel so that it performs its protective function to the fullest. For this purpose, we recommend undergoing a procedure of remineralization and deep prophylactic fluoridation which strengthens the enamel by 10 times. Fluoridation will also help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and enrich the enamel with beneficial elements.
If bruxism is the cause of your hypersensitivity, you can ask your dentist to fit a special mouth guard to prevent teeth from grinding at night.
And be careful with bleaching, as this procedure can increase tooth sensitivity. Be sure to consult your doctor before having it done to reduce the risk of discomfort
Still, have questions? Ask us!
Don’t forget that hypersensitivity of the teeth can be successfully reduced if you seek help from a specialist in time and follow a few simple rules for taking care of your teeth. Don’t tolerate the discomfort, better consult your dentist, find the cause and start treatment as soon as possible.
