What is dental sensitivity?
Dental sensitivity is an inconvenient and even painful sensation
in the affected teeth on coming into contact with different stimuli;
heat or cold (food,beverage),chemical (sweets or acids) or mechanical ( tooth
brushing or simple contact).
The pain sensation varies from one person to another, though
in general it manifests rapidly in response to contact with external stimulus.
The pain may intense and typically short lasting.
The discomfort associated with sensitive teeth is produced by
any factor that exposes the dentin, thereby leaving the dentinal tubules
exposed to external agents. Contact with such agents induces dentinal fluid
movement, which in turn stimulates the nerve endings and leads to intense
pain.
Who is affected?
Some studies indicate that dental sensitivity
affects one out of every four people (generally over 25 years of age). Different
factors may predispose
people to dental sensitivity, such as vigorous tooth brushing, an incorrect
brushing technique, the use of intensely abrasive toothpaste, a too hard toothbrush,
etc.
Dental
sensitivity can affect both, the crown and root of the tooth. The most common
cause
of crown sensitivity is the loss of enamel due to dental caries. Another possible
cause is bruxism ( grinding of the teeth). Root sensitivity is due to gum
retraction, which exposes the dental neck and leaves it vulnerable to the
action of external stimuli capable of triggering pain. Such gingival retraction
can be produced by
abrasion associated with brushing, dry mouth and especially gingival disorders
such as periodontitis or pyorrhea (frequently found in adults).
Transient dental sensitivity can also develop following tooth whitening treatments or periodontal therapies.
Treat the first symptoms
1. Correct oral hygiene after each meal is essential
to prevent and control gum and tooth deseases. Tooth brushing should always
be carried out from the gums
to the teeth and constitutes the basis for correct oral hygiene. Your dentist
can advise you on the best brushing technique for your teeth
2. The daily use of toothpaste specially developed for
sensitive teeth and containing specific active ingredients will help to control
and to prevent the appearance
of new symptoms. The toothbrush used is also very important. In this sense,
a soft toothbrush is recommended.
3. For rapid resolution of dental sensitivity, the topical
application of a bioadhesive gel to the affected zone provides relief from
the first hours of treatment.
The gel is applied after toothbrushing and it is advisable to avoid eating
and drinking for half an hour after application. Its application at bedtime
is more
effective, since salivation ceases during sleep - thereby ensuring maximum
contact between the active ingredients and the surface of the teeth.
Faster resolution of dental sensitivity is therefore achieved.
The most effective way to maintain good oral health is to perform careful and daily oral hygiene measures with regular visits to the dentists.