What causes tooth sensitivity and how to avoid it?

For some people, eating ice cream, drinking a glass of cold water or eating hot soup can be very painful. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common oral problems, affecting seven out of ten people.

This occurs when the dental root – the internal part of the tooth that is normally protected under the gum – is exposed and comes into contact with an external stimulus (sudden changes in temperature to cold or heat, acidic or sweet foods, pressure…). The pain stops when the stimulus ceases.

If the pain does not stop when we stop being in contact with the stimulus, or if we present any other symptom, such as spontaneous pain or dental bleeding, we should go immediately to the dentist.

Because it is such a common problem we often do not give it the importance we should, but tooth sensitivity can be the symptom or the first step of more serious diseases, such as caries, gingivitis or periodontitis.

Causes of tooth sensitivity

There are different factors that can cause tooth sensitivity since, as we have mentioned, this can be a warning of a more serious problem.

• Hygiene habits: Brushing our teeth too hard, with an incorrect technique or a toothbrush that is too strong. Excessive cleaning can also wear down the enamel and the gum itself.
• Eating habits: Frequent and/or excessive consumption of sugars and acidic foods.
• Oral problems: Caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, worn tooth enamel, worn filling, broken tooth, enamel with birth defects…
• Some dental treatments, such as orthodontics, teeth whitening or hygiene with scaling can cause tooth sensitivity, but this disappears after a short time and can be alleviated by taking an analgesic.

As we have seen, sensitivity can have many causes, so the most advisable thing to do is to visit our dentist to diagnose the origin of the problem and propose the most appropriate treatment.

How can we avoid tooth sensitivity?

Once our trusted dentist has found the origin of the sensitivity, he can recommend different treatments to correct it.

In addition, he can give us some tips for treating tooth sensitivity at home:

• Specific products for oral hygiene: Use a toothpaste that reduces tooth sensitivity, one that is not very abrasive or one that has a high concentration of fluoride if what is needed is to replace tooth enamel.
• Hygiene habits: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush our teeth correctly and without sudden or excessive movements.
• Eating habits: Avoid very hot or very cold drinks, and sugary or acidic foods, such as citrus juices, white wines or vinegars.
• Other habits, such as avoiding the use of toothpicks to clean our teeth or using them as a tool (biting a container to open it).

As we have seen, we must adapt the treatment to the problem that causes tooth sensitivity. That is why it is important not to self-diagnose and to go to our dentist.

To solve the problem of generalized tooth sensitivity, at Ahoa we start with a correct diagnosis, we must find the source of the problem in order to apply the best treatment for each patient. We recommend a review of caries and a diagnosis of the state of health of the gums, in this way 80% of cases can be solved.

In addition, regular oral cleaning will prevent many of the causes of sensitivity.