Tooth hypersensitivity is a medical condition that falls within the scope of dentistry; it is often referred to as tooth sensitivity or, more popularly, as “sensitive teeth.”
It is a fairly common disorder in the population and can affect all ages, although it is more frequent in the age group ranging from 25 to approximately 45-50 years.
What characterizes the condition is a more or less intense painful sensation that is felt when the teeth come into contact with rather hot or cold drinks or foods, but also with acidic or very sweet ones. The pain can also be evoked by inhaling air into the mouth or when brushing the teeth.
Tooth sensitivity cannot be defined as a serious condition, but it can undoubtedly be quite annoying and, in some cases, it can be underlying to rather serious dental problems such as periodontitis.
Given its diffusion, let’s try to understand what are the main causes of the problem and the possible Remedies for sensitive teeth.
Tooth hypersensitivity and thinning of tooth enamel
Excessive tooth sensitivity is generally due to the thinning of the layer of tooth enamel that lies above the dentin, the tissue in which the dentinal tubules, containing a high number of nerve endings, are located.
The exposure of the dentin means that when a thermal (hot/cold), chemical (acid/sweet) or mechanical (brushing) stimulus arrives, these endings determine brief, but often quite intense, sensations of pain and discomfort.
What causes thinning of tooth enamel?
There are various causes that lead to the reduction of the enamel layer that covers the dentin, exposing it to thermal, chemical and mechanical stimuli.
For example, there are various medical conditions that progressively lead to enamel erosion; among these we mainly remember bruxism, gingival recession, dental malocclusion, gastroesophageal reflux (due to the action of acids that rise from the stomach and come into contact with the teeth), bulimia, excessive and frequent consumption of acidic or very sugary drinks, incorrect oral hygiene (use of toothbrushes with bristles that are too hard, use of poor quality whitening toothpastes, brushing too vigorously), etc.
Possible remedies for excessive tooth sensitivity
When enamel erosion is related to non-dental problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux, it is necessary to address the underlying cause with appropriate interventions.
In the case of dental problems, such as malocclusion, the intervention of the dentist will be necessary; in the case of bruxism, instead, a dental bite can be used.
It is also important to change some eating habits, such as excessive consumption of acidic or excessively sugary drinks (the latter can also promote the onset of tooth decay).
It is also essential to have constant and correct oral hygiene. You should use toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, interdental brush and mouthwash every day.
As for toothpaste, there are products specifically formulated for the treatment of sensitive teeth. The toothbrush used must not have excessively hard bristles and it is important to ask your dentist what the correct procedure is for brushing your teeth. As for mouthwash, it is necessary to purchase quality products that do not damage the tooth enamel. Finally, periodic check-ups with your trusted dentist are recommended.
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