5 reasons that cause tooth sensitivity!

People experiencing dentin sensitivity avoid daily activities such as brushing their teeth or consuming hot and cold drinks because they can cause pain. The structure of dentin contains structures called tubules that are in interaction with nerves. If you have extreme sensitivity in your teeth, you should pay attention to these 5 reasons...

Don't leave your news choices to an algorithm - decide for yourself what you read. Add 12punto to your preferred sources!

The movement of fluid within the dentin tubules, which occurs with gum recession or the loss of enamel tissue, causes sensitivity. As long as the causative factor leading to dentin sensitivity is not eliminated and treated, the symptoms may progress.

The quality of life of people with dentin sensitivity is negatively affected by sensitivity symptoms. People with sensitivity cannot enjoy their favorite foods and drinks, and they often have to wait for cold drinks to become warmer.

Although dentin sensitivity is frequently seen in people between the ages of 20-45, it is distributed throughout the population from adolescence to the 70s. While sensitivity decreases with age as dentin tubules become blocked, its incidence increases in people with gum disease.

Factors Causing Dentin Sensitivity;

1- Frequent consumption of acidic foods or drinks

Keeping acidic fruits like oranges and lemons in the mouth while consuming them, or frequent consumption of acidic drinks, causes the enamel, which is the protective layer of the tooth, to wear away, exposing the dentin tubules.

In addition, enamel loss due to chlorine in pools for swimmers, reflux, chronic frequent vomiting, alcoholism, peptic ulcers, dry mouth caused by medications, and the buffering capacity, pH, and flow rate of saliva cause the intraoral environment to become acidic, leading to enamel loss. The exposure of dentin tubules in this way causes an increase in dentin sensitivity.

2- Gum diseases

Gum recession that occurs due to gum diseases causes root surfaces to become exposed. With the exposure of root surfaces, dentin tubules become open to external stimuli, causing an increase in tooth sensitivity. Gum recession and the exposure of the dentin surface can also occur due to incorrect brushing habits.

The use of inappropriate, hard-bristled toothbrushes and brushing teeth vigorously can trigger dentin sensitivity by causing enamel loss. Additionally, temporary dentin sensitivity may occur in patients who have had their tooth surfaces cleaned.

3- Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition characterized by patients clenching or grinding their teeth during the day or at night. Due to bruxism, wear and cracks can occur in the teeth, and this situation can cause dentin sensitivity.

4- Presence of cavities in teeth

The progression of cavities in the structure of the teeth can affect the area in the inner part of the tooth called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves are located, causing sensitivity.

5- Whitening

After a professional teeth whitening procedure, temporary dentin sensitivity may occur.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN THE TREATMENT OF DENTIN SENSITIVITY?

1) Proper clinical examination and accurate diagnosis

2) Reviewing tooth brushing habits, brushing teeth at least twice a day using a suitable toothbrush, and not consuming acidic foods and drinks before and after brushing,

3) Evaluating nutritional habits and avoiding acidic foods

4) In the presence of bruxism, it is important to consult a dentist and carry out appropriate treatment to prevent progression.

News Source: 12punto