Summer has arrived, and in order to cool down, most people choose to drink ice drinks and eat ice melons. However, some people have sensitive teeth, and when they touch ice, their roots feel uncomfortable. Even blowing cold air, brushing teeth, and eating acid can cause this symptom.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Why are teeth sensitive?

What should I do if my teeth are sensitive?

Don’t worry, today we will answer them one by one:

What is tooth sensitivity?

After excluding any other form of tooth defects or diseases, the short and sharp pain caused by exposed dentin to external stimuli is called tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin sensitivity.

The external stimuli mentioned here include cold water and cold air, but if it is caused by tooth decay, it does not belong to the sensitive range of teeth.

Why are teeth sensitive?

Some people may wonder: Since the pain of tooth decay is not called tooth sensitivity, why are good teeth sensitive?

From the structure of teeth, the surface of our teeth is a layer of hard enamel, with the pulp tissue containing nerves in the middle, and the dentin connecting them.

There are many dentinal tubules in dentin that contain fluid.

When external stimuli act on the exposed dentinal tubules, causing the fluid in the dentinal tubules to flow abnormally, the stimulation is transmitted to the pulp tissue at the other end of the dentinal tubules, resulting in sensitivity symptoms.

What are the possible factors that may cause tooth sensitivity?

1. Tooth wear caused by various reasons

·Brushing teeth too hard.

·The bristles of the toothbrush are too hard.

·Brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic food and drinks.

·Grind your teeth.

2. The function of acidic substances

·Acidic foods and beverages.

·Acidic drugs such as vitamin C and aspirin.

·The working environment is acidic, such as battery industry workshops, swimming pools disinfected with chlorine agents, etc.

·Gastric acid in cases of gastroesophageal reflux, pregnancy reactions, etc.

3. Gum recession

Image 1. PNG

Gum recession leads to exposed tooth roots, making them susceptible to external stimuli and causing tooth sensitivity.

4. Bleach “

Some popular dental products in the market may also cause tooth sensitivity, so it is recommended to consult a professional dentist before using such products and use them with caution under the supervision of a dentist.

What should I do if my teeth are sensitive?

To solve dentin sensitivity, the first thing to know is how it is caused?

As we mentioned earlier, the mechanism of tooth sensitivity is that the exposed dentinal tubules transmit external stimuli through the fluid inside the tubules to the pulp tissue at the other end, resulting in sensitivity symptoms.

Therefore, the first step in treating tooth sensitivity is to seek medical attention promptly, identify the cause of tooth sensitivity, and remove this’ external stimulus’.

There are also two important aspects:

The first is to block the exposed dentinal tubules using various methods.

The second is to undergo desensitization treatment to make the dental nerves less sensitive.

Daily intervention can be carried out from the following two aspects:

1. Using home care products containing desensitizing ingredients

·Anti sensitive toothpaste.

·Patients can use it twice a day for 4-8 weeks, which can greatly alleviate dentin sensitivity.

·Anti sensitive mouthwash.

·Mouthwash containing anti sensitivity ingredients can also alleviate dentin sensitivity.

2. Professional intervention

·If the symptoms do not improve after 2-4 weeks of home care, professional intervention can be carried out.

·Desensitizers with similar active ingredients to home care products.

·Blocking dentinal tubules with adhesive.

·Blocking dentinal tubules with bioglass and silicate water cement.

·Laser can block dentinal tubules.

Finally, a tip for preventing tooth sensitivity is given to friends who have not yet experienced any symptoms of tooth sensitivity. May everyone have healthy and good teeth:

·Adopting the correct brushing method;

·Reduce the intake of acidic foods and beverages;

·Timely diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases, bruxism, excessive tooth wear and other related diseases;

·Rinse your mouth promptly after consuming acidic foods and beverages, and brush your teeth at least 1 hour later;

·Be cautious when using home teeth whitening products;

·Regular oral examinations.