Causes and treatment of tooth sensitivity
Approximately 30% of the population suffers from tooth sensitivity to various external stimuli. Although there are various causes why a person may feel discomfort or pain in their teeth, the reality is that in the presence of completely healthy teeth and gums, this problem should generally not occur. Treating tooth sensitivity at its source and preventing it in the first place is possible. Let’s find out how:
What you need to know to provide a solution to your tooth sensitivity problem.
- What is tooth sensitivity?
- What causes tooth sensitivity?
- What causes it and how is it treated in each case?
- What else can be done to prevent tooth sensitivity?
1. What is tooth sensitivity?
Although in many cases this dental sensitivity is associated with problems of dental wear and gingival recession that increase with time due to age and the use of the teeth, the truth is that a higher incidence of cases is observed in the population (especially women) between 30 and 40 years of age.
More specifically, dental sensitivity is the acute pain that some people suffer in the dentine when faced with certain external stimuli such as thermal stimuli (mainly heat and cold), chemical stimuli (sweet or acidic foods), or even tactile stimuli (due to contact with other teeth, oral hygiene products, finger pressure or dental instruments).
That said, it is worth mentioning that although many people tend to avoid foods with these characteristics in order not to suffer from this discomfort, clinically it should be taken into account that oral hygiene also tends to be neglected, both at home and professionally, which can lead to other oral pathologies.
2. What causes tooth sensitivity?
The aetiology of this oral problem is the exposure of the dentine, i.e. the most sensitive inner part of the tooth that is exposed to stimuli when the protective layer, the enamel, is lost. Dentine is made up of microscopic tubes known as dentinal tubules that connect the outer layers of the teeth to the nerve endings. Therefore, as they are more exposed, sensitivity is increased. But what causes this exposure?
3. What causes tooth sensitivity?
3.1. Caries.
When caries, caused by the corrosive effect of bacteria on the enamel, manages to reach the dentine, the sensitivity of the affected tooth will increase in contact with the stimuli we have mentioned. To solve this problem, it is essential to treat the source, the caries itself, as soon as possible, which would be done with a dental filling.
3.2. Worn dental filling.
Although dental fillings are durable, it is true that over time they can wear down, especially due to erosion caused by acidic foods and/or aggressive brushing techniques. In addition to affecting the teeth, this problem can affect the filling, re-exposing the dentine. In this case, the old filling would have to be checked and re-filled.
3.3. Dental fractures.
In the same way that occurs with caries, if an accident has occurred and a tooth has been affected by a fracture or chipping, it is very likely that the dentine has been re-exposed. To treat this problem, it would be advisable to carry out a preservation treatment such as a dental crown or partial restoration.
3.4. Dental wear.
As we have mentioned, the action of acids and traumatic brushing can affect the original dental pieces, wearing them down. This wear is none other than the progressive disappearance of the enamel which, once again, is the protective layer of the dentine. To treat this problem, in addition to avoiding its cause, it may be necessary to place crowns or porcelain or composite veneers.
3.5. Bruxism.
As in the previous case, bruxists who tend to exert strong pressure on their teeth, or grind them unconsciously during sleep, can accelerate the process of dental wear or attrition in their teeth. In this case, it is advisable to use a dental splint to protect the teeth from this effect, thus improving dental sensitivity.
3.6. Tooth whitening treatment.
It is possible that some outpatient tooth whitening treatments may cause greater sensitisation of the teeth. For this reason, it is essential to seek the advice of dental aesthetics professionals who can recommend (or even advise against) this treatment which, on the other hand, has come a long way with high quality whitening products whose sensitising effects may last from a few hours to a few days without any major effect on the teeth.
3.7. Orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment with both brackets and clear aligners can cause increased tooth sensitivity due to the pressure they exert when placing the teeth in the desired position. Generally, the sensitivity in these cases is related to the chewing process but, with each change, the teeth get used to it and the sensitivity disappears. This treatment always requires a process of adaptation, but it is always necessary to make sure that the sensitivity is not due to another cause.
3.8. Gum recession.
Aggressive brushing and periodontal diseases can also cause a recession of the gums that can lead to greater pain when faced with external stimuli, as they leave the root of the tooth, which is also very sensitive, more exposed.
If the problem is gingivitis or periodontitis, this problem should first be solved by appropriate treatment. Secondly, gum grafting may be necessary to protect the exposed root and prevent further recession.
3.9. Dental prophylaxis.
During and after a professional dental cleaning, in which all bacterial plaque and tartar accumulated between teeth and gums is efficiently removed, it is possible to feel increased tooth sensitivity in the following hours and days. At no time should this sensitivity lead to increased pain, especially when the gums regain their space. If this is the case, it is possible that the cause is different and needs to be treated in the correct way.
3.10. Treatment of periodontitis.
As in the previous case, the treatment of periodontitis can also lead to increased tooth sensitivity. In this case it should be assessed whether the root of the tooth has been exposed, i.e. whether there is significant gum recession that needs to be treated with the objective.
4. What else can be done to prevent tooth sensitivity?
The best defence in these cases is prevention:
- Reduce consumption of acidic foods and drinks: citrus fruits, wine, vinegary dressings or soft drinks can cause the erosion we have mentioned, wearing down the enamel and causing greater sensitivity. It is therefore important to moderate your consumption and, for example, choose to use a straw with some drinks.
- Improve your oral hygiene routine at home: not only is bacterial build-up harmful and sensitising, but improper brushing technique can accelerate the wear and tear process and worsen tooth sensitivity. So choose a toothpaste and toothbrush that best suits your needs.
- Go for regular check-ups: keeping any dental and periodontal disease at bay is essential to maintain the health of the oral area and avoid tooth sensitivity as a consequence. That said, discuss with your dentist if you are suffering from this problem as he/she can help you with the best treatment.
- Don’t be afraid of professional cleanings: in addition to check-ups, cleanings allow you to completely remove bacterial plaque and keep your teeth and gums in good condition, as this plaque is the main cause of dental and periodontal diseases that can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Opt for a desensitising procedure: in healthy teeth that suffer from tooth sensitivity, it is possible to strengthen the enamel by applying varnish and concentrated fluoride after a dental prophylaxis. The products applied help to remineralise the tooth enamel, giving it greater protection against the external stimuli that cause the pain that is characteristic of sensitivity.
