Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity for various reasons. Many of them experience dental pain when eating and drinking certain foods and beverages. The nerve endings as well as the dentine are affected. When cold, hot, acidic or sweet foods come into contact with the teeth, an uncomfortable pain is felt. Tooth or dentin hypersensitivity can also occur when touching, brushing or flossing the teeth. If you understand where it comes from and what it is, you can avoid some of the discomfort.
Here is a guide to help you understand what a sensitive tooth really is and how to stop it hurting.
Having a sensitive tooth to the touch: What is it ?
To have teeth sensitive to touch, commonly called "dental hypersensitivity", is a painful sensation that you feel at the slightest contact between your teeth and a product that is much too hot, cold, acidic or very sweet. All it takes is for your toothbrush to touch the sensitive area of your teeth to trigger a strong pain. This is a more common dental problem than it seems. In addition, it is a condition that can develop gradually, sometimes resulting in gum recession or loss of tooth enamel. Most people suffering from dental hypersensitivity are between 20 and 50 years old.
The different causes of dental hypersensitivity
There are several causes of tooth sensitivity. The breakdown of tooth enamel is one of the main reasons. This can be due to a lack of calcium and fluoride. A twinge or shock can be felt in the teeth or gums.
There are also other causes of tooth sensitivity. For example, caries as a result of poor oral hygiene is one cause. Gum collapse due to periodontitis is another. The gums recede and the root of the tooth is exposed. Tartar also accumulates and causes hypersensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is also caused by the consumption of acidic, sweet or spicy foods and drinks. Tooth sensitivity is also caused by eating acidic, sugary or spicy foods and drinks, and by having fillings, scaling, bleaching or surgery at the dentist. Not brushing your teeth properly can also cause sensitivity. Smoking quickly damages our teeth and gums.
In case of dental hypersensitivity, you should not hesitate to consult a dental surgeon to find out the exact cause and to be able to treat it. Do not take certain medicines without the advice of your dentist, as many can destroy your oral cavity.
Treatments for tooth sensitivity
Daily brushing of the teeth prevents tooth decay and dental plaque, which accumulates and becomes tartar. Using products for teeth that are sensitive to touch prevents gum disease or gingivitis by removing small bacteria from the tooth surface. Periodontal disease is prevented by brushing in the morning and evening. Interdental brushes can be used with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Ideally, you should brush after every meal to remove bacteria immediately. Don't forget to floss as well. Flossing removes food debris from the tips of the teeth. Fluoride toothpaste can be used with gels for teeth that are sensitive to touch.
If tooth sensitivity is severe you should have a root canal treatment. If the gums are receding, a gum graft is necessary to remedy this. In case of mouth ulcers or inflammation of the gums, you should also use mouthwash with baking soda. In case of toothache or severe pain, you can use cloves if there is gum swelling to alleviate the pain.
All products for touch sensitive teeth fight against dental diseases but also the cyclic discomfort caused by dentin.
You can use Y-Brush fluoride toothpaste. It is a toothpaste in a tube with a 100% natural mint aroma. It has a fluoride content of 1450 ppm, which is the dosage recommended by the French Union for Oral Health. It helps to strengthen tooth enamel, fight against the formation of cavities, combat dental plaque and act against bacteria. Moreover, its transparent and fluid paste allows a more efficient and quicker brush washing. It will thus allow to attenuate your dental hypersensitivity or even to make it disappear.
Prevention of dental hypersensitivity
There are a few things you can do to prevent the symptoms of tooth sensitivity from occurring.
You should minimise the consumption of foods that are too acidic or too sweet. Citrus fruits and sweets should be avoided. It is advisable to wait 30 minutes between eating and brushing your teeth if you eat acidic or sweet foods. Smoking and its variants should be stopped to preserve the teeth. This will ensure not only white teeth but also fresh breath.
Avoid pressing too hard when brushing your teeth. And you should not brush your teeth too often: Limit brushing to 3 times a day. A soft-bristled brush will help you maintain good oral hygiene. Don't forget to change your toothbrush every 3 months at the most. In case of grinding or bruxism, please consult your dentist so that he/she can prescribe you dentures.
Tooth sensitivity is a common ailment. Take care of your teeth and your oral cavity. Don't let the pain get worse if you are hypersensitive. Good dental hygiene will ensure good general health. To cure sensitive teeth, do not hesitate to consult a dental practice and use any of the products for sensitive teeth available in pharmacies.
Natural remedies for dental hypersensitivity
The clove
The essential oil of clove will allow to numb the pain linked to the dental sensitivity because it contains eugenol which is a perfectly anesthetic substance. To do this, you can apply 2 or 3 drops of clove to the most painful places. You will first feel a little tingling before the pain fades away.
Ginger and cayenne pepper
They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, when mixed together, ginger and cayenne are particularly effective in fighting sensitive teeth. Indeed, the compounds of ginger have demonstrated beneficial effects on the reduction of inflammation of the teeth and gums. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which acts as a mild analgesic.
We hope this guide has helped you understand that tooth sensitivity is largely dependent on how well you brush your teeth, what you eat and what materials you use. It is therefore important to pay attention to your oral hygiene in order to have healthy gums and teeth.
