Why teeth become sensitive and what to do about it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Taking good care of your oral cavity can only get worse.

Many have experienced tooth sensitivity. I bit a sour apple or, for example, sipped sweet hot tea - and my jaw aches with sharp pain. The most annoying thing is that thorough oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are not insurance against adversity.

What is tooth sensitivity

Doctors call this type of sharp pain hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity) of the teeth. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the tooth enamel that becomes sensitive, but the looser layer under it - dentin.

Dentin is literally riddled with the finest microtubes in which nerve endings run. As long as these microtubes are closed, clogged with enamel, there is no discomfort. But if the enamel is seriously thinned or chips appear on it, the nerve endings are exposed. Any irritant causes severe pain.

This symptom should be taken seriously. Otherwise, pretty soon you can find yourself with rapidly developing caries. In addition, tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of serious health problems.

Why teeth become sensitive

Caries, periodontal disease Dentin hypersensitivity, chips on the tooth enamel - these reasons are on the surface, everything is clear with them. However, it happens that hyperesthesia occurs with absolutely intact, strong, well-groomed teeth. Why? There are many options.

1. You use mouthwash too often

Of course, fresh breath is important. But, by abusing rinsing, you run the risk of thinning tooth enamel. The fact is that such hygiene products often contain acids. If you cannot live without rinsing, ask your dentist to choose the most neutral product for you.

2. You love treats with tangible sourness

No, it's not even about eating lemons with limes. It is often enough to be a lover of lemonade, tangerines, citrus juices, candies and other seemingly harmless delicacies that contain a dose of the acids already mentioned above.

The thickness of the tooth enamel and the sensitivity of nerve endings are individual factors. And if you are personally unlucky to have armor on your teeth and nerves, hyperesthesia may come to you earlier than you think.

3. You have whitened your teeth

This procedure has a wide range of contraindications, and it should only be performed by a truly experienced physician. But often, in pursuit of a white-toothed smile, these theses are neglected. The consequences, alas, are quite painful.

4. You have a wrong bite

In childhood and adolescence, this factor may not cause problems. But with age, malocclusion becomes the cause of accelerated abrasion of the teeth. The enamel is getting thinner, and hyperesthesia is becoming more and more likely. Therefore, the bite should be corrected as soon as possible.

5. You have certain bad habits

For example, biting your nails or gritting your teeth. All this leads to the formation of microcracks on the enamel, which open access to dentin for various irritants.

6. You have gum problems

With age, not only teeth but also gums wear out. What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?: they recede from the teeth, exposing their roots. The roots do not have a strong enamel layer, so they are much more sensitive than the outer part of the teeth. Also, gums can recede due to tartar or smoking.

7. You have serious health problems

If more than one tooth demonstrates increased sensitivity, but several at once, this may be a sign of diabetes.

Some formulations for sensitive teeth can reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it is important to exclude endocrine diseases before starting treatment.

Also, hyperesthesia is a common symptom of diseases such as reflux esophagitis, accompanied by heartburn and acid belching, or bulimia.

How to reduce tooth sensitivity

If hypersensitivity in your case has already outgrown the stage "rarely, rarely, but it happens" and has caused regular discomfort, do not rely on grandmother's recipes. Neither taking crushed eggshells nor rinsing your mouth with saline will restore damaged enamel.

Rinsing your mouth with warm milk or chamomile decoction can reduce pain by covering microcracks on the enamel with a film. But this protection will last until the first brushing of your teeth or drinking water.

Therefore, do not waste time and go to the dentist. This specialist is qualified to identify or rule out the underlying causes of hyperesthesia. Your dentist will recommend one or more of the following procedures, depending on the results of your examination.

1. Cover your teeth with dental varnish

The varnish will close microcracks in the enamel and voids in the dentinal tubules, blocking the access of irritants to the nerve endings. Such varnishes are made on the basis of fluorides that strengthen the tooth enamel, and the procedure is called fluoridation.

2. Apply sealants and fillers

These are preparations that are denser than varnish. They are used to cover open tooth roots.

3. Use special dental pads

They will help if you grind your teeth at night. The dentist will make a model of your teeth (a kind of "false jaw"), which you can wear at night. This will relieve pressure on the enamel and ultimately reduce sensitivity.

4. Switch to toothpaste for sensitive teeth

These products contain special substances that not only strengthen the tooth enamel, but also reduce the sensitivity of dentin. The dentist will advise you which brand of paste to prefer. By the way, pay attention to desensitizing toothpastes - they can be used without a brush.

And, of course, be gentle with your teeth. Do not abuse hard brushes, vigorous cleaning and whitening pastes: they contain abrasive elements that abrade such an important enamel.