Dental hypersensitivity

This disorder is due to the fact that the nerve endings located under the enamel and at the base of the gums have been exposed and are more susceptible to being affected by external agents such as food and drink.

What is dental hypersensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most frequent disorders of the oral cavity, affecting almost 50% of the population, but with very different intensities.

The phenomenon manifests itself with painful, sharp or very annoying discharges that occur when the teeth come into contact with cold, hot, acidic or sugary substances. Sometimes inhaled fresh air or chewing is enough to trigger this pain.

As the tooth enamel wears away and the dentin is exposed, the nerve endings of the tooth are poorly protected and are sensitive to temperature changes. The greater the dentin wear, the more acute the hypersensitivity.

The same occurs with gingival recession that leaves the necks uncovered and causes exposure of the dentin at the root level of the tooth.

Causes of dental hypersensitivity

Instead of tooth sensitivity, dentists prefer to speak of dental hypersensitivity. This condition distinguishes pathological causes; thus, dental hypersensitivity can be a sign of:

• Enamel wear due to bruxism (nocturnal grinding), excessive frequency or intensity of tooth brushing, etc.
• Incipient or advanced caries (depending on the sensitivity threshold of each person).
• Significant dental trauma or repeated microtrauma.
• Gingival recession due to overly aggressive and technically incorrect brushing or gingival inflammation).
• Certain dental therapies (e.g. scaling) and periodontal surgery.
• Physiological variant in hypersensitive persons, i.e., with a low pain threshold.

Dental hypersensitivity is that sensation of discomfort, and sometimes pain, caused by exposure of the teeth to physical (cold and heat), chemical and osmotic (sweet and salty), and mechanical (contact with the toothbrush) stimuli.

Symptoms of dental hypersensitivity

The symptoms of dental hypersensitivity may occur sporadically, or whenever a certain stimulus appears.

In any case, it may be useful to check whether you suffer from a form of oversensitivity.

In this regard, it will be necessary to consult a dentist, requesting an examination of the oral cavity and undergoing a hypersensitivity test.

The most common is the air jet test, which is performed by first subjecting the affected area to a jet of cold air and then using a syringe with water.

The dentist will evaluate the perception of pain according to a series of parameters.

Once the presence of dental hypersensitivity has been ascertained, the dentist's action will focus on understanding whether the causes are linked to a pathology, or whether the onset of pain is the result of a series of incorrect actions on the part of the patient.

Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment can be carried out at home, or with the subsequent intervention of the dentist.

Treatment of dental hypersensitivity

Paying more attention todaily hygieneand regular teeth cleaning can definitely help reduce pain. However, sometimes it is the teeth whitening treatment that causestooth hypersensitivity.

Such treatment can be somewhat aggressive to the tooth enamel and cause discomfort in the days following cosmetic treatment.It is important to take care of your mouth by brushing your teeth well with specific products for sensitive teeth and using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

In addition, there are gels on the market specificallydesigned to help reduce tooth sensitivity in a tangible way. This is not a definitive solution, but a remedy that can be used to dampen temporary tooth sensitivity, i.e. that caused by the whitening treatment.

When you suffer from dental hypersensitivity on a constant basis, you need to take steps to get rid of it permanently.

Correct and thorough oral hygiene is and should always be the starting point to avoid not only dental hypersensitivity but also a whole series of more or less serious ailments that can affect the oral cavity. In this case, however, it must be carried out with specific products that are gentle to avoid erosion of the enamel.

It is important to use only toothbrushes with soft bristles or electric toothbrushes, which can better reach all corners of the mouth. It is advisable to use a toothpaste with potassium nitrate, a desensitizing agent. There are also mouthwashes with potassium nitrate on the market , which can be combined for additional protection.

If the pain is persistent, it is important to consult a dentist, who may, if conditions are suitable, recommend laser therapy: an innovative treatment that in most cases manages to completely eliminate the problem of dental hypersensitivity.

Prevention of dental hypersensitivity

To define an adequate treatment of dental hypersensitivity it is necessary to understand the causes related to its appearance and eliminate them.

For this, it is necessary to contact a dentist who will make a diagnosis and offer a series of alternatives for treatment and to prevent recurrence.

Among the main suggestions usually offered is to pay attention to oral hygiene, using only suitable products with a low abrasive impact.

In addition, it will be important to eat a healthy diet and have regular check-ups to assess the evolution of oral health.