Tooth hypersensitivity – causes and prevention

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem. Hyperesthesia not only causes discomfort, but also often precedes other, more serious dental diseases.

Dental hypersensitivity is characterized by a number of symptoms:

• sudden attacks of pain when eating cold or hot food and drinks
• uncomfortable sensations with a sharp breath of cold air
• painful sensations while brushing teeth

All these manifestations signal that the teeth require qualified treatment.

Why teeth become sensitive

The main reason is thinning or damage to the integrity of the tooth enamel layer. Enamel protects the tooth from external temperature influences, as well as from chemical and mechanical influences. Under the layer of enamel is dentin – a sensitive tissue, penetrated through by microscopic tubules that connect to nerve endings.
As a result of enamel thinning, access to the dentinal tubules opens, and the tooth begins to respond to any stimuli.

Causes of enamel destruction

Several factors can provoke non-carious destruction of enamel:

• Shift in the endocrine system. A change in hormonal levels can cause a violation of mineral metabolism.
• Bruxism. Teeth grinding in a dream inevitably leads to abrasion of the enamel and exposure of dentin.
• Improper brushing of teeth. Too hard brush or excessive intensity of the cleaning process leads to mechanical damage to the enamel.

Also, hyperesthesia is associated with gum recession during periodontal disease (when the sensitive root of the tooth is exposed).

Treatments for tooth hypersensitivity

In solving this issue, all dental procedures are aimed at strengthening the tooth enamel or at treating gum disease.
One of the most frequent procedures is fluoridation, which enriches the enamel and prevents tooth decay.
If the cause of abrasion of the enamel was bruxism, you can use a special mouth guard.
In advanced cases, when the patient has been ignoring the manifestations of hyperesthesia for a long time, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Anyway, our doctors in Tribeca Dental Studio will find an exactable solution according to your case and prescribes treatment individually.

Prevention of tooth sensitivity

There are several rules to follow:

• First of all, you need to observe oral hygiene. You also need to make sure that the toothbrush is not too hard, and that the cleaning movements are carried out vertically. The enamel wears off faster with horizontal cleaning.
• You need to be careful with teeth whitening and do not abuse professional cleaning.
• Excessive consumption of sweet and sour foods should be avoided.
• It is also very important to eat a complete, balanced diet.

And most importantly, to treat gum disease and caries in time. A regular visit to the dentist is the surest way to keep your teeth healthy.