How to remove tooth sensitivity?

Toothache is a very common ailment. It is also one of the most painful because it affects the dental nerves. There are many causes of toothache. This article discusses one of them – increased sensitivity of the teeth (hyperesthesia) to mechanical, thermal and chemical influences.

What are the symptoms of tooth sensitivity?

Tooth hypersensitivity is triggered when teeth are exposed to various factors.

• mechanical – during daily oral hygiene procedures, chewing solid food, and during a dental examination using special instruments;
• thermal – the reaction of teeth to cold and hot food, as well as when inhaling cold air;
• chemical – reaction to sour, sweet foods, foods with a high content of spices.

There are three degrees of sensitivity:

• mild – teeth react to thermal effects;
• moderate – a reaction to thermal effects plus a reaction to the taste of food;
• severe – a reaction to all three of the above factors.

In the case of hyperesthesia, the pain is short-term and severe and quickly subsides after the stimulus stops. The intensity of pain can vary widely: from slightly irritating to unbearable. The pain can affect both one and several adjacent teeth, and sometimes the entire dentition.

If you have symptoms of tooth sensitivity, even of a mild degree, do not delay your visit to the dentist and do not try to self-medicate. This will only aggravate the problem and reduce the chance of complete recovery.

Why does tooth sensitivity occur?

Hypersensitivity occurs when tooth enamel no longer fully performs its protective functions. This happens for a number of reasons:

• thinning of the enamel or its mechanical damage;
• the presence of caries;
• exposure of the tooth roots;
• disorders of the endocrine system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• smoking;
• after dental procedures, such as professional cleaning, whitening, tartar removal, etc.

A specialist will help you identify the specific cause. In rare cases, when the cause cannot be established, the doctor will help you choose the right home care regimen to reduce the level of pain. Note that, the qualified doctors of the Dent-House clinic are ready to conduct the necessary examination to determine the causes of hyperesthesia and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan.

Prevention of tooth sensitivity

Like any other health problem, hypersensitivity is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, prevention is the best way to reduce the likelihood of this pathology.

The basis for the prevention of hypersensitivity is the observance of oral hygiene rules:

• brush your teeth properly, in circular motions, using a soft or medium-stiff toothbrush;
• do not forget about dental floss or interdental brushes—they help clean the spaces between the teeth;
• oral hygiene should be carried out twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, and after brushing, there should be no plaque on the teeth;
• choose the right toothpaste – whitening toothpastes can cause painful sensations, while fluoride toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity;
• use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing and after every meal.

Along with good hygiene, it is also recommended to

• do not expose teeth to mechanical stress that can damage the integrity of the enamel;
• adjust your diet to reduce the amount of sour, sweet, and salty foods in your diet;
• if possible, avoid excessively hot or cold food;
• limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• quit smoking.

And, of course, visit the dentist at least once every six months, even if you have no unpleasant symptoms.

How to treat tooth sensitivity?

A variety of causes of tooth sensitivity necessitate a comprehensive approach to treating this disease:

• eliminating caries and replacing fillings that have begun to decay;
• removal of tartar deposits;
• gum surgery for periodontal disease;
• carrying out measures to restore and strengthen enamel.

Dentists of the clinic “Dent-House” are qualified to carry out remineralisation and fluoridation of teeth using materials that meet all international standards.

The scope of the necessary procedures will be determined by the doctor after a comprehensive examination to identify the specific causes of hypersensitivity.

Often, in order to completely get rid of hyperesthesia or at least significantly reduce sensitivity, it is enough to choose the appropriate hygiene products and the correct home oral care regimen. In more complicated situations, a specialist will offer full treatment.

What to do if tooth sensitivity persists?

If, after carrying out the necessary dental procedures to treat hyperesthesia, hypersensitivity still persists, you should consult a doctor. You may need root canal treatment or nerve removal if the cause of sensitivity is deep caries or pulpitis.

It is also possible that the cause of sensitivity lies in the field of concomitant diseases or stress due to high psychological stress. In this case, if you have problems with the endocrine system, you should consult an endocrinologist, if you have gastrointestinal diseases, you should consult a gastroenterologist, and a psychologist will help you relieve high levels of stress.

Tips for caring for sensitive teeth

Having diagnosed your teeth as being sensitive, the dentist will give you specific recommendations on how to reduce discomfort at home or suggest necessary dental procedures.

Some of the things you can do at home include using specialised toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride and designed for sensitive teeth, and wearing special mouthguards to protect exposed tooth roots from irritants.

Dental procedures may include professional teeth cleaning, remineralisation and fluoridation.

Increased tooth sensitivity can and should be treated. Preventive oral care, as well as modern dental techniques, can significantly reduce or completely eliminate hyperesthesia. By observing good hygiene, reducing the impact of irritating factors, eliminating bad habits and visiting the dentist regularly, you will maintain your healthy smile for many years.

Appointment booking

Date

Your name

Phone number

I agree to the agreement on the transfer of personal data

Make an appointment