2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49
What to do if teeth are sensitive?
The increased sensitivity of the teeth is accompanied by painful sensations, which are aggravated by the intake of hot and cold foods, sour and sweet foods. Dentists call this reaction hyperesthesia. You should not ignore the increased sensitivity of the teeth, as it not only leads to discomfort, but can also indicate serious violations of the dental plan. Therefore, if the teeth are hypersensitive to external stimuli, you need to contact a specialist and find out its cause.
Content:
- What is hyperesthesia?
- Reasons for tooth sensitivity
- Types of hyperesthesia
- Symptoms
- Diagnostics
- Treatment of hypersensitivity teeth at the dentist
- How to relieve pain at home?
- Prevention
What is hyperesthesia?
Tooth sensitivity is a disease in which the neck of the tooth and its root are affected. This happens due to thinning of the tooth enamel or due to gum pathologies with dentin opening.
Most often, increased sensitivity of teeth is observed in people of age, but it is incorrect to consider it a problem of the older generation. It has been established that burdened heredity matters.
The main cause of hypersensitivity is enamel thinning and gum abrasion. These processes take place slowly and imperceptibly for humans. Therefore, when detecting gum separation from the teeth, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible. Otherwise, the pathology will only progress.
Reasons for tooth sensitivity
Reasons that can lead to increased tooth sensitivity:
- Destruction of tooth enamel.
- Demineralization of the enamel and the appearance of white spots on it.
- Tooth decay.
- Periodontitis with exposed tooth roots.
- Wedge-shaped damage to the neck of the tooth.
- Teeth grinding. This bad habit is called bruxism.
- Bite disorders.
Risk factors that can provoke thinning of tooth enamel:
- Eating foods that contain acid. They lead to the fact that calcium is washed out of the enamel. It becomes porous, the tooth loses its protection.
- Eating too solid food.
- Using whitening pastes. They contain fillers that violate the integrity of the tooth enamel.
- Performing professional teeth cleaning. There is always a thin enamel under the calculus. The doctor uses professional equipment to remove hard plaque, exposing the weak areas of the tooth. If irritants get on them, a person will experience painful sensations.
-
Using brushes with stiff bristles.
- Smoking. The composition of tobacco smoke contains many toxins that adversely affect the condition of the tooth enamel.
- Hereditary predisposition to tooth sensitivity.
- Pregnancy. During the gestation of a child, calcium is washed out of the mother's body, which the fetus spends on its own needs.
- Hormonal imbalance.
Types of hyperesthesia
There are several classifications of hyperesthesia, which are based on various factors.
By origin
- Hyperesthesia due to the loss of hard tissues by the teeth. The reasons can be varied: preparation of teeth for setting crowns or other dental structures, erosion of tooth enamel, dental caries, wedge-shaped defects, increased abrasion of dental tissue.
- Hyperesthesia not associated with loss of enamel, dentin, or cementum. The main reason in this case is periodontitis. Although toothache can occur against the background of other disorders in the body.
By the degree of sensation
- 1 degree. The tooth reacts to low and high temperatures. The electrical excitability of the tooth is 8 microamperes.
- 2nd degree. Teeth respond not only to temperature changes, but also to chemical irritants. Electroexcitability is 5 microamperes.
- 3 degree. The teeth respond to all stimuli. Electric excitability is 3.5 microamperes.
By prevalence
- Increased sensitivity is characteristic of only one or several teeth. Moreover, they have caries.
- Hypersensitivity of many teeth. They can be located on one or both gums. A violation develops in case of periodontitis, caries, erosive lesions of tooth enamel and with excessive abrasion of tooth enamel.
Symptoms
The main symptom of tooth sensitivity is acute pain. The person indicates that the tooth reacts to sour sweet, cold and hot foods. This reaction is manifested by short-term pain. It lasts a few seconds, after which it begins to subside. The severity of pain varies widely from mild to throbbing. If the tooth is badly damaged, then it may be painful for a person to even inhale cool air. He eats only neutral and warm products.
Pain with increased sensitivity of the teeth is present on an ongoing basis. The alternation of acute periods and periods of calm is rarely observed. During remission, pain is either absent altogether or becomes less pronounced.
Diagnostics
In order to find out the reason for the increased sensitivity of the teeth, the dentist simply needs to examine the patient's oral cavity. It visualizes chips, cracks, caries and other damage to the enamel. Sometimes X-rays are required to clarify the diagnosis.
Diseases that need to be differentiated from tooth sensitivity:
- Acute pulpitis. The pain occurs on its own, regardless of external factors. It tends to get worse at night.
- Periodontitis. The pain increases when you press on the tooth and gums.
- Inflammation of the interdental papillae. Pain occurs when food pieces get in between your teeth. In addition to pain, inflammation of the gums is noticeable.
To diagnose hypersensitivity of teeth, two methods are used: EDI and electrodontometry. These procedures allow you to determine the degree of sensitivity of the teeth to various stimuli.
Treatment of hypersensitivity teeth at the dentist
Treatment of tooth hypersensitivity depends on the severity of the pathology.
If soreness arises from an injury, then therapeutic treatment is sufficient. To restore the crack and eliminate the chip, the doctor uses fillings. Modern material allows you to eliminate visible defects and get rid of increased tooth sensitivity.
Therapeutic treatment is also suitable for patients with caries. In such a situation, in addition to basic dental care, the doctor recommends the patient to undergo professional teeth cleaning.
When the cause of increased sensitivity of the teeth are disturbances in the work of internal organs, it is necessary to direct efforts to eliminate them. In this case, the dentist will give you a referral for consultation with another specialist.
The main principle in the treatment of tooth sensitivity is to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. Only after this, the doctor should start restoring the enamel.
Remineralization and fluoridation
Remineralization of tooth enamel is its saturation with calcium. For this purpose, special tools are used to cover the teeth. Remineralization is carried out in conjunction with fluoridation. This improves the efficiency of the procedure.
Calcium, once in the tooth enamel, is transformed into hydroxyapatite. It perfectly strengthens teeth, but is quickly washed out under the influence of various acids. Fluorination converts hydroxyapatite to fluorohydroxyapatite. This substance is resistant to acids, therefore it perfectly strengthens tooth enamel.
Remineralization and fluoridation are not prescribed for patients with caries and wedge-shaped defects.
Iontophoresis
In severe cases, the doctor recommends that the patient undergo iontophoresis. In the course of its implementation, drugs are delivered to the tooth enamel under the influence of galvanic currents. Their influence allows the drugs to penetrate into the deep structures of tissues and form dense salt compounds there.
Means that can be used when carrying out iontophoresis:
- Calcium gluconate solution. Adults are prescribed a solution with a concentration of 10%, and children - 5%. Iontophoresis is carried out in a course of 10 procedures.
- Sodium fluoride concentration of 1%.
- Vitamin B1 with trimecaine.
- Fluocal in solution.
Diplen films
Diplen films are an innovative tool that allows you to reduce the sensitivity of tooth enamel. The effect is achieved due to its strengthening and saturation with nutrients, which the films are impregnated with. It is very convenient to attach them to the teeth, as they are flexible and plastic. Withstand the films should be from 30 minutes or longer. A person will feel the effect after the first application of this remedy.
How to relieve pain at home?
To reduce the sensitivity of your teeth at home, you need to use special pastes and gels.
It will not be possible to cope with the problem without changing the diet. Sour, salty, spicy and sweet dishes are removed from the menu, or cut off. You should not lean on citrus fruits and other fruits, as the acids they contain destroy the enamel.
Foods such as fish, cheese, cottage cheese, milk, liver, etc. should become a source of vitamins and microelements. It is important to monitor the temperature of dishes, not to mix cold and hot in your mouth. For example, you should avoid drinking hot chocolate and eating ice cream.
Desensitizing Toothpastes
It is very convenient to use toothpastes to eliminate tooth sensitivity. Every day during oral hygiene, the person will receive treatment.
Desensitizing pastes include:
- Oral-B Sensitive Original. The paste contains hydroxyapatite, which is similar to the molecules of tooth enamel.
- Sensodyne-F. The paste contains potassium, ions of which prevent the transmission of pain impulses along nerve fibers from the tooth to the brain.
- Rembrandt Sensitive. After using the paste, a film forms on the teeth, which reduces their sensitivity. To keep the effect of using the paste, you need to brush your teeth with it after each meal. This remedy has an additional teeth whitening effect.
- Mexidol dent Sensitive.
Pastes for reducing tooth sensitivity contain alkalis. They react with water and cause dehydration of the dentinal canals. Due to this, a therapeutic effect is achieved. However, you cannot regularly use such funds. It is permissible to use them no more than 4 times a year.
Remineralizing gels, varnishes, foams
To reduce the sensitivity of teeth, new means are constantly being developed: foams, varnishes, gels. They can be used with mouth guards and applied to the teeth before bed.
Rinse your mouth with solutions several times a day. They can also be applied to the teeth by soaking cotton balls or turundas.
The varnish, after covering the tooth enamel with it, forms a film on them. For its reliable fixation, you need to stop taking food and water for the next half hour.
An important feature of all listed funds is the need for their regular use. The effect can be felt only after a few days.
Fluocal. This gel contains sodium fluoride and phosphoric acid. These substances are essential for teeth to maintain their health. The use of the drug allows you to maintain the health of teeth, prevent the formation of plaque and caries on them. The use of Fluokal increases the natural resistance of the teeth. You need to apply the gel to the surface of the teeth, or under the mouth guard. In addition to the gel, a solution for rinsing the mouth cavity is produced under this name.
Bifluoride 12. This varnish contains sodium fluoride and calcium. It is applied to the teeth, after which a protective film is formed on them. You can start eating no earlier than an hour later.
Fluoride varnish. This tool is also available in the form of varnish, it is used by analogy with Bifluoride 12. However, the disadvantage of Fluoride varnish is a yellow film that remains on the teeth after applying the drug. Therefore, you need to use the tool on the weekend.
Tooth Mousse. This gel helps to form a protective film on the teeth. Apply it for 3 minutes, after which excess funds are removed. The drug is used by dentists for professional treatment of tooth sensitivity.
Ml Paste Plus. This is a professional dental cream containing fluoride. To provide a therapeutic effect, it is enough to apply it on the teeth for 3 minutes. The product must not be used by children under 12 years of age.
Tifenfluoride. This product contains a large amount of fluorine and belongs to enamel-sealing preparations. It is used to prevent tooth decay, to treat tooth sensitivity and to prevent enamel thinning. Apply the product to clean and dry teeth. The holding time is 1-2 minutes. Then the teeth are covered with copper hydroxide, after which they are thoroughly washed with plain water. Self-medication is unacceptable, dental treatment should be carried out in the dentist's office.
President Sensitive Plus. This tool is represented by a gel that must be used in combination with toothpaste and rinse aid. The gel contains potassium nitrate, anethole and peppermint oil. It is applied to the root part of the tooth 2 times a day. The course should last a month.
Rocks Medical. This tool allows you to cope with increased tooth sensitivity due to its unique composition. The gel includes such components as: potassium nitrate, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium. Carrying the product on your teeth allows you to destroy the bacterial flora, reduce sensitivity, and protect against the influence of other negative factors. The teeth are covered with the gel and left for half an hour. At the same time, the oral cavity must be clean. You need to give up food and water for half an hour.
The treatment lasts 14 days. The gel does not contain fluoride, which is its significant advantage over other means for reducing tooth sensitivity. The use of this drug will not harm the thyroid gland, liver, or kidneys.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent the appearance of tooth sensitivity:
- The oral cavity and teeth must be carefully looked after. It is necessary to choose those pastes that do not contain abrasive substances that can damage the enamel.
- Teeth brushing technique must be correct. The brush should be chosen of medium hardness so that it does not injure the teeth and gums.
- Whitening paste should be used as little as possible, as it damages the enamel and helps to remove calcium from it.
- You should enrich the diet with foods that are a source of phosphorus and calcium.
- After eating berries, juices and fruits, you need to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- The dentist must be visited 2 times a year, even if the person is not worried about anything.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
Recommended:
Teeth Grinding In Sleep (bruxism), What Are The Causes? What To Do?
What to do if teeth gnashing in a dream excruciates?Teeth grinding during sleep is a serious problem. Doctors call her bruxism. It can affect people of all ages and sexes. According to statistics, bruxism affects 15 to 50% of the world's population
How To Whiten Teeth Enamel At Home? 7 Ways
How to whiten teeth enamel at home?Teeth whitening, along with caries treatment, is one of the most popular dental procedures. A snow-white smile is a sign of beauty, health and well-being, therefore, in pursuit of it, people do not spare money and time
How, When, How Much And Why Should You Brush Your Teeth?
How, when, how much and why should you brush your teeth?The oral cavity is one of the most polluted cavities in the human body. Therefore, the question of how to properly brush your teeth is very relevant for maintaining their health.The process of brushing your teeth is a hygienic procedure aimed at removing food debris and soft dental plaque from the surface of your teeth, which forms during the day
Teeth Growth. Everything You Need To Know About It
Teeth growth. Everything you need to know about it"Our baby is a toothbrush!", "The first tooth of my son!" - this is how moms share their emotions on social networks. Indeed, all parents are looking forward to the appearance of the first teeth
The Order (diagram) Of The Eruption Of Milk Teeth In Children
The order (diagram) of the eruption of milk teeth in childrenContent:When does teething occur?The timing of the appearance of the first milk teeth in an infantThe order of teething in a child (diagram)How does the baby's body react to the appearance of teeth?