Surely you have ever suffered from that cold sensation in a tooth. Whether it’s because of a cavity, receding gums or for any other reason, you’ve probably experienced tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is a very common ailment among the general population. It affects 7 out of 10 adults and usually appears between 18 and 40 years of age, with a higher prevalence among women.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a brief, but very sharp and localized pain. This ailment is also known as dental hypersensitivity and occurs in a specific tooth or in an area of the mouth that comes into contact with an external stimulus. To be more precise, it appears when the dentin -internal part of the tooth- is exposed and comes into contact with stimuli.
These can be thermal (very cold or hot drinks or food), chemical (sweet or acidic substances) or tactile (finger pressure, tooth brushing, use of dental instruments…).
Dentin is usually protected by the gingiva, root cementum and tooth enamel. However, when this natural protection is lost and it is exposed to external stimuli, dental sensitivity appears.
Dentin is composed of thousands of microscopic tubes, called dentinal tubules. Their function is to connect the external part of the teeth with their nerve endings. Therefore, when the dentin is exposed, the tubules allow heat, cold or acids from the aforementioned external elements to be reflected in the nerves and cells of the tooth, causing the symptoms described above.
Parts of a tooth
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PARTS OF A TOOTH
What are the symptoms of tooth sensitivity?
The pain produced by tooth sensitivity is easily recognizable and, at the same time, very unpleasant for those who experience it. We could say that its symptoms and characteristics are as follows:
Intense and localized pain
Responds to an external reaction
It disappears as soon as the stimulus is no longer in contact with the tooth or sensitive area.
If this excessive sensitivity is not transitory and persists after the cessation of the external stimulus, or if it is not very localized, it is advisable to visit your dentist as soon as possible. This is because there is a possibility that there is some kind of oral disease and, in this case, you would have to be evaluated by a dentist so that he can make a proper diagnosis.
One of the most frequent reasons for dental sensitivity is the existence of caries, although it is also due to external stimuli.
Causes of dental sensitivity
Now that we have explained the origin of tooth sensitivity, let us detail the causes by which the dentin can be exposed to external stimuli.
On most occasions, this can occur due to a person’s lifestyle and hygiene habits.
That said, the causes of sensitive teeth are as follows:
1. caries
When a cavity goes through the enamel and reaches the dentin, we will feel a great sensitivity to cold, hot or acidic foods. In this case, the solution would be to carry out a dental filling as soon as we notice the caries.
2. Broken or chipped teeth
As in the case of caries, when a tooth breaks, and the fracture reaches the dentin, dental sensitivity will appear. Ideally, this problem should be treated by placing a crown or dental cap.
3. Worn fillings
When a tooth that has been decayed becomes filled, it can happen that over time the filling becomes worn down. This happens due to aggressive brushing or erosion caused by particularly acidic products. In such cases, the dentin is exposed again, causing the sensation of sensitive teeth. It is therefore advisable to have the old filling checked by a dentist in order to redo it.
Sensitivity in a tooth
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DENTAL FILLING
4. Receding gums
Receding gums may be due to aggressive brushing or periodontal disease (periodontitis). In either case, recession exposes the root of the tooth, which is very sensitive and is usually protected by the gum. However, the solution to tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums will depend on each case.
If it is due to aggressive brushing, a gum graft can be performed. However, if the cause is periodontitis, the first thing to do is to see a periodontist for periodontal treatment to stop the disease.
5. Worn tooth enamel
Tooth enamel can wear down due to several factors:
The use of a very abrasive toothpaste combined with very aggressive brushing.
The habit of clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism).
The habit of exerting too much force during chewing.
Since tooth enamel does not regenerate, a simple composite restoration is necessary. Subsequently, a porcelain or composite veneer or a crown is placed (if the wear is very aggressive). In the case of bruxists, it will also be essential to fabricate a Michigan type unloading splint for the patient to wear at night.
6. Dental erosion due to acids
The habitual consumption of very acidic foods and drinks (citrus juices, soft drinks…) can cause erosion of the tooth or its decalcification, leaving the dentinal tubules free. To prevent tooth sensitivity from increasing, it will be very useful to restrict the consumption of acidic foods. The dentist should evaluate the degree of erosion to determine if any type of restoration should be carried out.
Go to the dentist
If you notice discomfort when you brush your teeth or eat very hot or cold foods and drinks, visit your specialist.
7. After a dental filling
Once the caries has been removed and the filling has been carried out, the filled tooth may be excessively sensitive. This is due to the fact that the filling used produces a small contraction when it solidifies, which causes a tension in the tooth that is reflected in the nerve. However, the hypersensitivity subsides with the passage of time.
8. After tooth whitening
The products used during tooth whitening can make the teeth sensitive for a period of about two weeks. The pain after this type of treatment disappears by itself, as it is a temporary effect. To alleviate this sensation, the use of desensitizing products recommended by the specialist is very useful. On the other hand, if there is too much sensitivity, it is advisable to consult your dentist about the use of an analgesic.
9. During orthodontic treatment
Treatment with braces or other types of orthodontics can cause dental sensitivity due to the pressure they exert. Brackets work on the tissues that hold the teeth in place to allow them to move. As a result, generalized discomfort can be felt in the teeth, which is exacerbated during chewing. In this case, tooth sensitivity also ceases with the passage of time. It should not be forgotten that any orthodontic treatment requires a period of adaptation.
10. After a prophylaxis
When a patient has a professional cleaning after having accumulated a large amount of tartar, his teeth may feel sensitive in the following days. By removing the tartar build-up around the gums, the dentin may become more exposed. However, this only lasts until the gums regain the space that the plaque used to occupy. Again, the sensitivity disappears completely during the first few days.
Tooth sensitivity
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TOOTH SENSITIVITY
How to remove tooth sensitivity?
Although we have just explained what we can do if we have tooth sensitivity, we are going to give you some recommendations to prevent it and avoid its appearance. These “remedies” involve both getting into the hands of a dentist and following healthy and hygienic routines.
We can divide them into the following groups:
1. Establish good eating habits
Avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks that can wear down the enamel of your teeth: citrus juices, wine, vinegar dressings, soft drinks…
2. Correct your bad habits
Avoid using wooden chopsticks, using your teeth as if they were tools (biting or tearing a container to open it), smoking, drinking excessively, chewing too hard during meals, etc.
3. Follow a thorough hygiene routine
In addition to regular brushing, use dental floss, as it will help prevent gum problems and avoid gum recession.
Use specific toothpaste and mouthwash for sensitive teeth.
Do not brush aggressively
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially for sensitive teeth.
Use fluoride dental products – toothpaste or mouthwash – to strengthen the enamel.
WE TREAT YOUR TOOTH SENSITIVITY
4. See your dentist
It is very likely that you will only be able to determine the cause of tooth sensitivity and find a solution by seeing your dentist. Therefore, unless it is very clear to you that the cause of the discomfort is completely temporary -because you have just had braces fitted, for example- it is best to visit your dental clinic. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity for any of the reasons mentioned above, you will be able to soothe it and avoid that unpleasant yet familiar pain that we have all experienced at one time or another.
5. Desensitizing toothpastes
The use of desensitizing gels or pastes work very well in reducing dental hypersensitivity and they are widely used. There are different brands available in any pharmacy or supermarket and to use it you only have to apply a little of the paste on the sensitive teeth.
6. Desensitizing treatment
We know that these recommendations are not always 100% effective and that is why we have developed a desensitizing treatment at DrAW Dental Clinic.
It has been one of our dental hygienist, Verónica Rebollo, who has devised the formula to reduce sensitivity and improve the quality of life of patients.
Before starting the desensitizing treatment, it is essential to verify that the sensitivity is not caused by other problems. Thus, once the patient’s mouth has been checked to rule out the presence of caries or fissures in the enamel, the process begins.
The duration of the treatment ranges from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the needs and evolution of each person. First, our team of hygienists will carry out a dental prophylaxis to remove plaque and dental calculus.
Using a digital scanner, a sample of the patient’s teeth will be taken to make splints to be used at home. A varnish and fluoride concentrate will also be applied to the teeth to strengthen them.
The next step is to deliver the desensitization kit, consisting of:
Remineralizing serum
Sponges with nano-hydroxyapatite
Splints
Desensitizing gel
Splints for desensitizing treatment
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SPLINTS TO REMOVE TOOTH SENSITIVITY
All these products contribute to the remineralization and reinforcement of the enamel, reducing sensitivity. In the scheduled check-ups, the specialists will review the evolution of the treatment, considering it finished when the sensitivity has subsided.
How much does the desensitizing treatment cost?
The desensitizing treatment offered and developed by Ferrus & Bratos costs 265 €.
Once completed, we recommend annual maintenance in order to strengthen the action of the products applied. Even so, our team of dental hygienists will establish a personalized periodicity for each person according to his or her needs.
In addition to the patient’s own evolution, it is important to take into account the origin of the dental sensitivity in order to achieve optimal results.
Now that you know how to remove tooth sensitivity, we encourage you to try this innovative treatment. With it, you can improve your quality of life in all aspects and avoid that annoying pain so characteristic.
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Bibliographic references
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- Bayan, L., Koulivand, PH and Gorji, A. (2014). Garlic: a review of possible therapeutic effects. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine , 4 (1), 1-14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
- Taher, YA, Samud, AM, El-Taher, FE, ben-Hussin, G., Elmezogi, JS, Al-Mehdawi, BF and Salem, HA (2015). Experimental evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of clove oil in mice. The Libyan journal of medicine , 10 , 28685. https://doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v10.28685 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558274/
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