Tooth hypersensitivity is a problem that can significantly affect the quality of life. Everyday pleasures, such as consuming your favorite meals or drinks can become a struggle. Understanding the causes and knowing effective treatments and prevention methods can be key to regaining oral comfort and health. What can we do about tooth hypersensitivity at home, and what should a dentist do? Answers below.
Causes of tooth hypersensitivity
Tooth hypersensitivity is a problem that affects many people. It is characterized by feeling discomfort or pain in response to stimuli such as heat, cold, or touch. With tooth hypersensitivity, constant pain can result from a variety of causes, including:
- Enamel erosion caused by excessive tooth brushing or consuming acidic foods and drinks.
- Exposed tooth necks, which are the result of receding gums.
- Cracks in the teeth, which can cause stimuli to reach the nerves more easily.
Symptoms of tooth hypersensitivity
The symptoms of tooth sensitivity are usually easy to identify. People suffering from this condition often experience severe pain when consuming cold or hot drinks, sweet or sour foods. Sudden tooth sensitivity to cold is a particularly common symptom. This pain may be temporary or long-lasting, depending on the cause of the hypersensitivity.
How to treat tooth hypersensitivity?
Treating tooth sensitivity may seem challenging, but there are several effective methods that can restore your smile without pain. Find out how you can deal with this problem effectively and pleasantly.
Using preparations for tooth hypersensitivity
A key element of treatment is the use of toothpastes intended for people with tooth hypersensitivity. They contain substances such as potassium nitrate or fluorine, which help reduce the transmission of pain stimuli through the dentin to the tooth nerve. Regular use of such pastes can significantly reduce the occurrence of the problem.
Teeth fluoridation
Fluoride strengthens the enamel, which makes the teeth less susceptible to factors that cause hypersensitivity. Fluoridation treatments can be performed both in a dental office or at home by using appropriate agents intended for this purpose.
Preventive dental care and appropriate treatment
In cases where hypersensitivity is caused by specific problems, such as exposed tooth necks, a dentist may use various treatment methods. For instance, applying special protective preparations to the teeth or performing odontological procedures to protect exposed tooth parts.
Regular visits to the dentist are crucial, especially after treatments that may increase sensitivity, such as teeth whitening or tartar removal. The dentist can monitor the condition of the teeth and gums and recommend appropriate preventive or therapeutic measures.
Home remedies for tooth hypersensitivity
When it comes to tooth sensitivity, there are a number of home practices that can help alleviate the symptoms. Let’s start with the very basic thing, which is brushing technique. Using a soft brush and gentle, vertical movements can significantly reduce the risk of further damage to the enamel and exposure of teeth necks.
Additionally, avoiding extremely hot, cold, acidic or sweet foods and drinks is equally important. These can irritate the dentin, increasing hypersensitivity. Introducing
a saline mouth rinse – a simple mixture of warm water and table salt – may also provide relief. This mouthwash has antibacterial properties and supports gum health.
Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production, which in turn helps neutralize the acidic environment in the mouth. It also supports the remineralization of enamel. Lastly, an important method is the use of special gels for tooth hypersensitivity, which you can buy at a pharmacy.
Prevention of tooth hypersensitivity
Preventing tooth sensitivity is as significant as treating it. Proper prevention is based on daily care for oral health and avoiding risk factors.
In addition to maintaining hygiene, it is also worth remembering to visit the dentist regularly. This translates to at least once every six months! In most cases, this is enough to monitor the health of your teeth and gums and possibly prevent serious problems.
In addition to hygiene, diet is also significant. Avoiding excessive consumption of acidic and hard foods can significantly reduce the risk of damaging the enamel and exposing the necks of the teeth. Instead, it is worth including products rich in calcium and phosphorus in your diet, such as milk, cheese, nuts and fish. All such products support the remineralization of enamel.
Moreover, you should avoid brushing your teeth too intensively and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. You should also avoid using too much bleach and aggressive tooth cleaning agents, which may contribute to increased sensitivity.
Finally, it is important to reduce jaw stress and tension, which can lead to tooth wear and aggravate sensitivity. What helps? Relaxation exercises, meditation, or even consultations with a psychologist. All such measures can be effective in learning to cope with stress and prevent negative effects on oral health.
Therefore, when answering the question: how to cure tooth hypersensitivity, it should be emphasized that success lies in a holistic approach to oral health, which includes both home practices and professional treatment. We should not ignore the signals sent by our teeth, and early action can effectively eliminate the problem, restoring a healthy smile!