Tooth sensitivity is the body’s reaction to thermal irritation – hot or cold. It is a signal of a problem in the area of the tooth, and with regular check-ups and timely treatment the sensitivity disappears.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Sensitivity is caused by irritation of the tooth’s nerve and its branches in the dentine tubules. Its appearance is a signal of a problem or damage in the area of the tooth concerned. The damage may be in the area of the tooth crown, as well as in the area of the gum and the bone that supports the tooth.
What are the causes?
Damage in the area of the tooth crown
Sensitivity is seen with:
- deep caries that has reached close to the nerve (read more);
- wear of the chewing surface of the teeth down to the enamel-dentine junction (read more);
- wear of the enamel in the area of the tooth necks as a result of an incorrect tooth-brushing technique – wedge-shaped defects;
- damage to the enamel surface caused by acidic products and whitening systems.
Damage in the area of the gum and the bone that supports the tooth
This leads to exposure of the tooth root. A root exposed in this way is very sensitive to both thermal (hot and cold) and mechanical irritation.
Root exposure is caused by inflammatory processes – periodontitis (read more) – and by trauma to the gum in the area of the sensitive tooth.
Who is affected and what are the symptoms?
Tooth sensitivity occurs from a young age to old age, but people aged 30–45 suffer from it most often, and it is seen more in women.
What is the treatment?
Sensitive teeth are a signal of a problem and call for a consultation with a dentist, who will identify the cause and find a way to resolve it. The dentist checks for caries and gum disease and, if any are found, carries out the appropriate treatment.
Where sensitivity is due to tooth wear (as a result of incorrect chewing or incorrect tooth brushing) or to damage to the enamel surface, comprehensive treatment is needed, even involving a change in the patient’s habits and daily routine.
What helps with general sensitivity?
For sensitivity of a general nature, it is recommended to:
- reduce acidic foods;
- brush the teeth correctly – a softer brush, proper and measured movements;
- use solutions containing fluoride and potassium salts.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my teeth sensitive to hot and cold?
Sensitivity is caused by irritation of the tooth’s nerve and its branches in the dentine tubules. It is a signal of a problem in the area of the tooth crown, the gum or the bone that supports the tooth.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Deep caries, wear of the chewing surface, wear of the enamel at the tooth necks from incorrect brushing, damage to the enamel from acidic products and whitening systems, and an exposed root caused by periodontitis or trauma to the gum.
What should I do if I have sensitive teeth?
See a dentist to identify the cause. The dentist checks for caries and gum disease and, if any are found, carries out the appropriate treatment.
What helps with general sensitivity?
It is recommended to eat fewer acidic foods, brush correctly with a softer brush and measured movements, and use solutions containing fluoride and potassium salts.