Tooth sensitivity is a common oral health problem that many people encounter from time to time, but when it becomes chronic, it can negatively affect daily life. If you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your teeth when you drink hot tea or eat a refreshing ice cream, you are probably experiencing tooth sensitivity. This situation is not limited to hot and cold foods; It can occur when chewing something sweet, sour or even hard.
Tooth sensitivity usually occurs as a result of erosion of tooth enamel or receding gums. This situation causes the sensitive nerve endings in the lower layer of the tooth to be exposed to external factors. Although it may initially be felt as a mild discomfort, it may worsen over time and make daily activities such as eating, drinking, and sometimes even breathing difficult.
So, what are the causes of tooth sensitivity? What habits make our teeth more vulnerable? And most importantly, what can we do to reduce this sensitivity?
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a condition that manifests itself with a sudden and sharp feeling of pain, resulting from the erosion of tooth enamel or recession of the gums. The main reason for this sensitivity is that the protective layers of the tooth are damaged and the structure called dentin in the lower layer is exposed.
Dentin is a layer containing microscopic canals (tubules) that extends to the inside of the tooth. Normally, this structure is protected by tooth enamel. However, as the tooth enamel wears away or the gums recede, the dentin is exposed and the canals inside it are directly exposed to external factors.
These microscopic canals are directly connected to the nerves inside the tooth. When hot, cold or acidic foods and drinks are consumed, impulses are quickly transmitted to the nerves through these channels and pain is felt. This pain usually occurs suddenly and, although short-lived, can be quite uncomfortable.
Tooth sensitivity may occur from time to time or may become permanent. If this situation continues for a long time, it can negatively affect the quality of daily life and lead to greater problems with oral health.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
– Wear of Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is a hard layer that protects teeth. However, when it wears away, the underlying dentin is exposed and sensitivity occurs. Factors causing wear:
Hard tooth brushing: Applying too much pressure or using hard bristle brushes can thin tooth enamel.
Abrasive toothpastes: Especially whitening pastes can wear down the tooth surface.
Teeth grinding: Clenching the teeth during sleep or during stress can cause the enamel to wear away.
Acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods such as carbonated drinks, vinegar, and citrus fruits can weaken enamel.
-Gum Recession
When the gums recede, the root of the tooth is exposed and this area becomes more sensitive. Main reasons:
Gum diseases: Conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis can weaken the gums.
Hard brushing: Applying too much pressure to the gums can cause recession.
Aging: Over time, gums may naturally regress.
-Caries and Dental Problems
Bruises, cracks or fractures can expose dentin, which can transmit direct impulses to the nerves. Moreover:
Worn or broken fillings: Over time, the edges of fillings can wear away, increasing sensitivity.
Tooth cracks: Biting a hard food or getting hit can cause small cracks in the teeth.
-Acidic and Sugary Foods
Acidic drinks (sodas, lemon water, vinegar) and sugary foods can erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.
-Teeth Whitening Products
Chemicals found in whitening toothpastes and gels can temporarily weaken tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. Short-term sensitivity may also occur after professional whitening procedures.
How to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity
It is important to adopt proper oral care habits to prevent tooth sensitivity. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, you should clean your teeth with circular and gentle movements, without brushing too hard. Toothpastes made specifically for sensitive teeth can help reduce sensitivity by strengthening tooth enamel. Avoiding excessive consumption of acidic and sugary foods, especially drinking carbonated drinks through a straw, can prevent the erosion of tooth enamel.
For those with teeth grinding problems, the use of night guards can protect the teeth. In addition, it is of great importance to go for regular dental check-ups, pay attention to gum health and maintain general oral hygiene to prevent gum recession and other oral health problems. You can minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity by visiting the dentist at least twice a year.
Is There a Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can be treated and there are a number of different methods for this. First, dentists can apply fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel. This makes teeth stronger and can help reduce sensitivity. Additionally, by applying dentin coatings in sensitive areas, the nerve endings of the tooth can be protected and less affected by external factors. If sensitivity is caused by a decayed or broken tooth, the dentist can solve these problems with filling or crown treatments.
Apart from this, if there is a situation such as gum recession, surgical methods such as gum graft can be used to treat advanced recession. All of these treatment options are highly effective in relieving pain and improving oral health by helping to relieve tooth sensitivity.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity?
Although tooth sensitivity is a condition that often goes away over time, relief can be achieved quickly with the right care and treatment. The first step should be to review your tooth brushing habits. Gently brushing your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help reduce sensitivity by protecting your tooth enamel. Additionally, using toothpastes specially produced for sensitive teeth helps strengthen the enamel without damaging your teeth.
Avoiding acidic and sugary foods reduces the effect of foods that erode your teeth. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism), you can use a night guard by consulting a dentist. Additionally, if there is a problem such as gum recession, you can prevent sensitivity with regular dentist checks and necessary treatment methods. If there is sensitivity that does not go away with these measures, the dentist may recommend treatment options such as fluoride applications or dentin coatings.