Hypersensitivity of the teeth - causes and treatment

/ Hypersensitivity of the teeth - causes and treatment

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If eating certain foods, such as cold or hot foods and drinks, makes you uncomfortable, then you are probably suffering from hyperesthesia, or simply put, hypersensitivity of the teeth. Painful episodes can also provoke quite usual actions, such as brushing your teeth or inhaling cold air through your mouth. This problem is quite common, so let's figure out how you can reduce sensitivity and get rid of discomfort.

Why does tooth hypersensitivity occur?

One of the main causes is damage to tooth enamel, which protects the internal tissues of the tooth from external influences, including temperature changes. The base of the tooth, the dentin, contains microscopic tubules that lead to the nerve. And if the enamel is worn away or thinned, it opens up access to the dentin tubules and nerve endings. That's when the tooth begins to respond to an irritant - to cold or hot, to sour or sweet. Particularly affected are those who naturally have too thin tooth enamel, but wide dentinal tubules.

Causes of hypersensitivity of teeth

  • Brushing too intensively or too often. Overly stiff toothbrushes can make the problem worse. Remember all things in moderation: don't brush more than twice a day or overdo professional oral hygiene.
  • Gum recession caused by periodontal disease. If the gum recedes, the root of the tooth is exposed, which has no protective enamel and will be very sensitive to changes in temperature.
  • Bruxism. It's simple - if you have a bad habit of grinding your teeth, over time, the enamel will wear away, leading to the exposure of dentin.

How to avoid the discomfort of high tooth sensitivity?

Try to use a soft toothbrush, avoid brushing hard and choose a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Try to brush vertically, from the gums to the edge, because brushing horizontally erases enamel faster.

Avoid excessive consumption of sweet and sour foods, don't eat or drink hot food right after cold food, and vice versa. Remember to take good care of your teeth, treat cavities and gum disease if they occur, and be sure to tell your dentist about your hypersensitivity problem so he can find the right treatment. Ways to treat tooth hypersensitivity

First and foremost, it is important to strengthen the enamel so that it performs its protective functions to the fullest. If bruxism is the cause of the tooth hypersensitivity, you can ask your dentist for a special mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding at night.

And be careful with bleaching, as this procedure can increase the sensitivity of your teeth. Be sure to consult your doctor before having it done to reduce the risk of discomfort.

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