Tooth sensitivity
Pain or tingling when eating and drinking (especially cold foods and liquids) can be a sign of tooth sensitivity. The frequency and intensity of the pain can be highly variable, but if the sensitivity is correctly diagnosed and an appropriate treatment plan is applied, it can be effectively eliminated.
Causes
As many as 75% of people with hypersensitivity report pain when their teeth come into contact with something very cold. The pain is usually sharp and sudden. Other factors that trigger hypersensitivity include the following stimuli:
Thermal - hot and cold drinks and food, cold air, cooling water spray from a dental instrument.
Mechanical-tactile - dental probe during dental examination, periodontal scaling, toothbrushing.
Osmotic solutions - hypertonic, such as sugars.
Blast of cold air - e.g. from a dental instrument or strong cold wind.
Chemical - acids, e.g. dietary, gastric.
Some people have sensitive teeth due to a misaligned bite or clenching their teeth too hard during sleep (teeth grinding - bruxism). In other cases, sensitivity may be the result of improperly placed restorations. This excessive pressure on the teeth causes the layer of tissue underneath the hard enamel, called dentin, to become exposed. Dentin - in very simple terms - consists of microscopic fluid-filled tubes. When these tubes come into contact with hot or cold liquids, food, or other teeth, it causes sharp pain and significant discomfort.
Gum recession and exposure of tooth necks are the main causes of dentin hypersensitivity. This problem can be avoided by adopting, among other things, healthy eating practices and proper oral hygiene. A common cause of hypersensitivity is also mechanical exposure of dentin during too vigorous toothbrushing. Therefore, it is quite important to skillfully match the hardness of the toothbrush to the properties of your teeth and to use a non-traumatic toothbrushing technique (such as the modified Bass technique). This will help prevent receding gums and wearing away of teeth around the necks. Non-abrasive toothpastes containing fluoride should also be used, and teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for two minutes. Excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks should be avoided, but if it does occur, they should be consumed during main meals. Importantly, teeth should not be brushed immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks, but preferably at least 30 minutes later. It is also recommended that anyone suffering from acid reflux seek medical help to prevent an acidic environment in the oral cavity.
How are sensitive teeth treated?
The first step to finding the appropriate treatment is correctly diagnosing the causes and understanding what triggers tooth sensitivity. Because the causes of sensitivity vary, there is unfortunately no single universal solution to this condition. Therefore, depending on the individual case, the following dental treatment or prevention methods are applied:
Developing the correct tooth brushing technique
Using appropriate toothpastes, mouthwashes, and toothbrushes
Filling enamel defects with composite material
Using a bite splint (in case of bruxism)
Tooth devitalization (as a last resort when other methods yield no results)
At the Luxdentica Dental Center in Krakow, we conduct instructional programs on how to clean teeth properly, and advise on what tools and toothpastes to use when the problem of tooth sensitivity occurs. In cases requiring dental intervention, we devise a detailed treatment plan and methodology.
