Best Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity

Introduction:

Biting into something hot or cold can sometimes cause pain. Tooth sensitivity is a common ailment that involves a short-lived but intense sensation of pain caused by physical or chemical stresses.

It can occur at any age, although it is more common among people between the ages of 20 and 40, particularly women. To alleviate the discomfort, there are several remedies: it is first of all important to evaluate what are the triggering causes of hypersensitivity to allow the dentist to plan a treatment plan. In addition to the treatment prescribed by an expert, however, it is essential to prevent the disorder and any relapses by eliminating improper lifestyle habits.

Finally, a sensitive tooth should not be neglected, both to avoid other oral health problems, and because the pain induces you to weakly brush your teeth, with the risk of facilitating cavities and gingivitis.

Why are teeth sensitive to thermal stimuli?

Hypersensitivity to cold and heat is a very common symptom, often underestimated by the patient, explains the Italian Society of Endodontics (SIE). It is due to the exposure of dentin, which is the supporting structure of the tooth, encloses the pulp and is physiologically sensitive, because it is crossed by tubules that contain nerve fibers.

Dentin is normally covered by enamel and gum, so it is not in contact with the oral environment. Due to abrasive traumatic factors (incorrect brushing), erosive (acidic substances in contact with the teeth) or pathological (periodontal disease), the dentin is no longer covered by the enamel, or by the gum at the root level, and responds with pain due to thermal, chemical, tactile or osmotic stimuli.

In the absence of caries, dentinal hypersensitivity manifests itself as a painful symptomatology that cannot be precisely located on one or more teeth. It can be felt not only for the effect of thermal stimuli (commonly drinks or cold foods) but also for contact with sweet and sour substances, for tactile stimuli or finally, in the most striking cases, only for the air inhaled from the mouth.

Sensitive teeth: the most effective remedies to relieve discomfort

Depending on the severity of the patient's dental sensitivity, there are professional therapies that involve the use of lasers or more commonly of active ingredients that counteract the onset of hypersensitivity through the seal of the dentinal tubules: sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride to be applied on the affected area, potassium nitrate gel, calcium phosphate, resins, adhesives and so on. Home therapies, on the other hand, involve the use of specific toothpastes and mouthwashes for sensitive teeth based on potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride.

SIE endodontists recommend following these simple rules:

• Practice proper oral hygiene, adopting a correct brushing and flossing technique, to prevent periodontal inflammation, which can give rise to gingival recession.
• Use a specific toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
• Avoid brushing with excessive force or with inappropriate technique.
• Use a softer toothbrush specifically for people with sensitive teeth.
• Use products containing fluoride, toothpaste and mouthwash to help restore integrity to the enamel.
• Avoid grinding your teeth or clenching them during the day. Ask your dentist for advice on the possibility of using a byte (a mouthguard) for the night.
• Visit your dentist / dental hygienist regularly to have your teeth cleaned professionally.

Sensitive teeth: prevention is essential

Following simple behaviors can avoid the onset or aggravation of the disorder.

• Brush your teeth properly, taking advice from your dentist regarding the type of toothbrush and toothpaste to use.
• Use caution in the consumption of acidic foods that can lead to the wear of tooth enamel, such as fruit juices, wine, vinegar and carbonated drinks.
• If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn or gastritis, it is important to have a specialist visit and counteract the disorder.
• Carry out periodic checks by the dentist to identify predisposing factors (bruxism, periodontal disease).

The risk of suffering from tooth sensitivity can be substantially reduced by keeping your mouth as healthy as possible, with good oral hygiene to help prevent gum recession or gingivitis.