Tooth sensitivity: causes and treatments

Tooth sensitivity is a problem that many people experience. It can be a little unpleasant, but sometimes disabling, because it can prevent you from eating properly. Nutrident explains you the causes of this sensitivity and indicates you the solutions to look after it.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can affect all teeth and is most often painful when your incisors are more exposed.

The stimuli that trigger dental sensitivity are very easily recognizable:

1. Thermal: because of hot or cold food, but also cold air in winter when you open your mouth;
2. chemical: when your teeth come into contact with aggressive foods, such as sugar or acid;
3. mechanical: in the event of a shock, even a very slight one, with a hard food, your cutlery or your toothbrush.

What causes dental hypersensitivity?

The teeth are protected by a layer of enamel. When it fails, your tooth becomes raw, which is why it hurts. This erosion comes from different causes.

Mechanical wear of the enamel

The mechanical wear of the enamel comes from a defect of your behavior. Perhaps you are using a toothbrush whose bristles are too hard? These brushes are not recommended by all dentists and yet they are still on sale.

Even though they give the impression that they clean teeth better, this is not the case. They wear down the enamel and damage the gums. You must banish hard brushes for good.

You may also be pushing too hard when brushing. Electric toothbrushes often have pressure sensors that teach you how to brush without straining. Again, just because you press harder doesn't mean you clean your teeth better.

You brush your teeth too often, to the point that it has become a habit and you are wearing out your teeth prematurely. You may also be brushing some teeth too much in relation to others.

And then there are all the little quirks whose consequences are not measured over time: holding a cherry pit (or any other small hard object) for hours and rolling it between your teeth, chewing your pen, using your teeth as tools, etc.

Bruxism is also catastrophic, because you rub your teeth together. Enamel wears, cracks and some chips may even “pop”.

Wear related to the position of the teeth and the state of the gums

If your teeth are out of place and you have bite problems, you will wear away the enamel in some places.

On the other hand, if your gums tend to recede, they uncover a more fragile part, because they have always been protected. This is the case if you have periodontal disease, loose teeth, or if you brush your teeth incorrectly (see above).

Treatments that trigger tooth sensitivity

Fortunately, braces have come a long way, but they can damage your teeth. Tooth whitening can also trigger tooth sensitivity. In both cases, it is usually temporary.

Some medications can have side effects on the condition of your teeth, as can pregnancy, which affects the entire body.

Simply heredity

You inherit your parents' teeth. Weak enamel is a characteristic that is passed on from generation to generation.

How can I get rid of tooth sensitivity?

Adapt your behavior

Logically, if your sensitivity comes from a behavioral problem, it is up to you to change it. Learn how to brush your teeth better, with a soft-bristled brush.

The electric toothbrush is a great tool, because it is more effective against plaque and helps you improve your technique, without pressing too hard and brushing each part of your teeth equally, thanks to a timer.

If you drink acidic sodas, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth because they soften the enamel. Ideally, these drinks should be eliminated.

The dentist's intervention

Talk to your dentist about your dental sensitivity and he or she will advise you on the best treatment. If it's a periodontal disease, bruxism or bite problem, only he can fix it.

If you have problems with gum retraction, he may suggest a gum graft. The dentist removes a bit of flesh from one place to re-implant it in another.

The application of a fluoride varnish and the use of a specific toothpaste

To strengthen your enamel, your dentist can apply a fluoride varnish. He first applies a product that facilitates its penetration, applies the varnish, then hardens it using an ultraviolet lamp.

Specific toothpastes for sensitive teeth have a real and effective action. Ask your dentist which brand he or she recommends. You use it like a normal toothpaste, every time you brush, and within a few weeks you feel a real difference.

This type of toothpaste contains certain enamel strengthening ingredients. Among them, strontium chloride, fluorinol, permethol, nitrate, sodium fluoride.

If your sensitivity comes from a hereditary weakness in your enamel, then you should always use this type of toothpaste. If it's only temporary, you can switch back to your regular toothpaste once your enamel has been repaired.

Veneer placement

If the loss of enamel is significant, the sensitivity is exacerbated and can become unbearable. Your dentist can apply composite veneers that will protect your teeth with a perfectly natural effect.

If the enamel is only worn away at a specific point, often at the gum line, he can apply a filling that will serve as a bandage.

Natural remedies

Natural remedies can help you reduce your tooth sensitivity. There are three fairly effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic products:

1. fresh ginger that you can chew or use as a mouthwash after making an infusion;
2. clove to chew or by putting a drop of essential oil on the painful part;
3. Cayenne pepper diluted in water as a mouthwash.

FAQ

How to get rid of dental hypersensitivity?

There are several ways. Among them, some toothpastes are suitable for people with dental hypersensitivity. These products observe more calcium, fluorine and potassium. Their composition allows to reduce the sensations of dental sensitivity.

What causes dental hypersensitivity?

Consumption of hot and cold foods, overly aggressive brushing, among other things, are the cause of tooth sensitivity

How to recognize dental sensitivity?

The sensation of dental sensitivity is noted in very specific situations: the pain or discomfort is manifested, among other things, when rinsing the teeth, when eating a very cold or very hot food