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Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Today, many people face the problem of tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is the feeling of pain or discomfort in the teeth caused by eating and drinking hot, cold, sweet or acidic things.

3 June 2023 · 3 min read

Today, many people face the problem of tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is the feeling of pain or discomfort in the teeth caused by eating and drinking hot, cold, sweet or acidic things. It results from damage to the enamel and dentine of the teeth. If decay progresses, pain and sensitivity can increase in the dental nerves.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

  • Acidic drinks and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel. When the enamel wears away, this can cause tooth sensitivity.
  • Factors such as poor brushing technique, gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease can cause gum recession. As a result of gum recession, the root surface of the tooth is exposed and sensitivity can occur.
  • Tooth decay can cause sensitivity by damaging the enamel layers and the dentine of the teeth.
  • Clenching or grinding your teeth by day or night (bruxism) can wear down the teeth and damage the enamel layer. This can lead to tooth sensitivity.

What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?

  • Pain or discomfort when eating and drinking hot or cold things
  • Pain or discomfort when eating sweet or acidic foods
  • Pain or discomfort when brushing or flossing
  • Pain or discomfort when the teeth come into contact with something hard

What Can Be Done to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

  • Use the right tooth-brushing technique: Brush your teeth regularly and correctly every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is important to clean your teeth without wearing away and damaging the tooth enamel.
  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Choose toothpastes for sensitive teeth that are specially formulated for people with sensitive teeth. Such toothpastes can help to strengthen the tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.
  • Take care when choosing a toothbrush: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage the tooth enamel. It may be better to use a soft or medium toothbrush.
  • Limit acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods and drinks such as lemons, oranges and fizzy drinks can damage the tooth enamel and increase sensitivity. Be careful and limit your consumption of such foods and drinks as much as possible.
  • Have regular check-ups with your dentist: People with tooth sensitivity should see their dentist regularly. Your dentist will assess your teeth and recommend suitable treatment methods.
  • See your dentist if you clench or grind your teeth at night. This can cause tooth sensitivity and wear down your teeth. Your dentist can recommend suitable treatments.
  • You may want to consider using mouthwashes or toothpastes specially formulated to prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity. You can choose the product that suits you best by consulting your dentist.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Tooth Sensitivity?

Gum treatment: Gum disease can damage the bones and tissues that hold the teeth in place and can lead to tooth sensitivity. This treatment cleans the gum tissue, repairs damaged tissue and stops the progression of the gum disease.

Orthodontic appliances: If tooth sensitivity is a problem caused by gaps between the teeth, braces can be used. Braces close the gaps between the teeth and can reduce tooth sensitivity.

Fluoride application : Dentists can apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of the teeth to strengthen the tooth enamel. This application can help to reduce tooth sensitivity.

Tooth fillings: Tooth decay or fractures can cause tooth sensitivity. Dentists can fill the teeth to resolve these problems.

Dental crown: A dental crown can reduce the sensitivity of the teeth by covering the sensitive areas.

Remember that if you experience tooth sensitivity, it is recommended to see a dentist. Your dentist can identify the cause of the sensitivity and offer you suitable treatment options. People who experience a problem such as tooth sensitivity are therefore advised to see a dentist.

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If you would like detailed information about our dental treatments, you can contact us by filling in our consultation form, or you can get information directly through our WhatsApp line: +90 544 348 07 87. Our doctors will plan the most suitable treatment for you and give you detailed information.

Written by

Dt. Helin Dermanlı

Aesthetic Dentist

I graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at Akdeniz University. My clinical practice focuses on aesthetic dentistry and implantology, and I currently welcome patients at VDC Dental Clinic Turkey. I am proficient in English.

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