Common dental problem and how to avoid it
What causes severe tooth sensitivity and how to get rid of it (photo: Freepik)
Sometimes, after contact with something cold or hot, a sharp toothache occurs, even without any visible damage to the teeth. This is tooth sensitivity. It can be reduced by improving your quality of life, according to the Ukrainian medical community website.
Why does tooth sensitivity occur
The term "tooth sensitivity" suggests that nerves are involved. A particular stimulus, such as a hot drink, causes pain when the mineralized tissue of the tooth, dentin, becomes exposed.
There are various causes for this:
- Cavities
- A crack in the tooth
- Gum disease
- Erosion (wear), where the gum tissue separates from the teeth and exposes the roots
The roots of the teeth are not protected by enamel. They are composed of thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the pulp (the central part of the tooth filled with nerve fibers). When the roots are exposed, any stimulus, such as ice cream or even cold air, can reach the nerves, causing unpleasant pain symptoms.
Why does sensitivity sometimes occur suddenly
Even if a person follows all basic care rules, sudden pain can still occur. This can happen, for instance, if you're brushing your teeth carelessly, perhaps due to rushing or using a toothbrush with hard bristles. Initially, this may not show any symptoms, but over time it can lead to enamel wear and expose the dentin.
If you experience tooth sensitivity, ensure that you're not overusing whitening products, as they are one of the main causes of this condition.
Can the pain go away on its own?
Often, the pain does go away on its own, especially if the sensitivity arose after treatment or professional cleaning. However, if you experience persistent sensitivity, it's important to see a dentist to identify the underlying cause.
How can you help yourself
- Choose toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If you are aware of your sensitivity, it's important not to overlook this and to select specialized care products.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, don't forget about dental floss throughout the day, and schedule an annual preventive dental check-up.
- A soft-bristle toothbrush can be helpful. This way, you better protect the surface of your teeth from erosion and your gums from excessive irritation.
- Avoid consuming foods and drinks high in acid, as this can directly damage tooth enamel.
- Additionally, try not to hold drinks in your mouth and swallow them immediately. After consuming acidic foods, rinse your mouth with water and wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth.
Earlier, we informed when to use a mouthwash to keep your teeth healthy.
We also wrote about products that heavily stain teeth.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
