Tooth sensitivity is a condition in which a feeling of pain or discomfort occurs in the teeth in response to stimuli such as hot or cold foods and drinks, sweet or sour foods.
Sensitive tooth is not a disease. It is a condition that occurs in the form of instant tingling and discomfort. Caring about one’s teeth, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding certain foods can prevent this sensitivity.
Sensitivity occurs with the erosion of the structure called “dentin” located in the inner part of the gum. Because dentin is exposed, it reacts suddenly to cold, acidic and hot foods. This creates tooth sensitivity.
Sensitive Tooth Symptoms
Occasional tingling in the teeth does not indicate that you have sensitive teeth. When hot, sour and cold foods are consumed, it can be said that you have sensitive teeth if the sudden formation of tooth ache is difficult for your life.
Even your breath in cold weather can cause discomfort for the teeth.
When acid-containing foods such as pickles are consumed too much, ‘dentin’ can be damaged.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Gum (gingivitis) disease causes inflammation in the roots of the teeth. In this case, the dentin inside the tooth is exposed and it can give the person a hard time.
Tooth grinding can also cause tooth sensitivity. Clenching or grinding your teeth while sleeping at night causes dentin under the teeth to be eroded and become vulnerable. Gums recede as a result of some diseases. In this case, the dentine remains unprotected and exposed.
Incorrect brushing of teeth is also a condition that damages tooth enamel. The worn gums are receded or eroded. Dentin will be exposed in this case. This causes tooth sensitivity.
In addition, tooth sensitivity is inevitable for those with bulimia (self-vomiting for different reasons) disease. Acidic wastes from the stomach get into the mouth during vomiting. These harmful acids that contaminate the gums can also cause tooth sensitivity.
Is Dentine Important In Tooth Sensitivity?
The dentine structure is located inside the tooth. They are very small structures. Tooth sensitivity occurs with dentin erosion.
How Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur?
Dentine starts from the tooth surface and goes to the inner middle part of the gum. It extends to the nerve cell located in the middle part of the tooth called pulp. Dentine is too small to be seen with the naked eye. It is found in large numbers in the tooth structure.
These structures, which can be seen with a magnifying glass or microscope, are filled with liquid. These liquids are sensitive to foods such as hot, cold and sour. For this reason, it takes action the moment there is an interaction. During its movement, it touches the dental nerves and causes pain and ache. Thus, tooth sensitivity occurs.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment
Those who experience sensitivity in teeth;
- Toothbrushes should not be hard. It is important to use soft-headed brushes that will not damage tooth enamel.
- Care should also be taken in choosing toothpaste. Fluorine-containing toothpastes and toothpaste produced for sensitive teeth should be used.
- Fizzy drinks should be avoided as much as possible. After consuming acidic beverages, the mouth should be rinsed with water.
- When advanced sensitivity occurs, the gums are intervened by the dentist.
- Brushing daily fluorine-containing toothpastes twice a day serves as filling in areas with tooth sensitivity.
