Sensitive teeth: Symptoms, causes and solutions

Table of contents


• - What are sensitive teeth?
• - Cause of sensitive teeth
• - Treatments for sensitivity
• - Prevention of sensitive teeth
• - Reduce and remedy sensitivity

Do you suffer from stimuli when eating or drinking cold, hot, sweet or acidic foods? If so, you probably suffer from tooth sensitivity. Several causes underlie this problem, with refractory gums being the main factor. In this comprehensive guide, we discuss everything about sensitive teeth, from the causes and symptoms to the best treatments and preventive measures

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What are sensitive teeth?

Teeth consist of three layers: the strong tooth enamel, the softer dentin (dentin) with numerous canals, and the deepest part called dental pulp. When the soft dentin and its canals are exposed, a sharp stimulus is created. These canals have direct connections with the dental pulp, causing triggers such as hot, cold, acidic or sweet foods to cause unpleasant sensations.

Cause of sensitive teeth

When you suffer from sensitive teeth, you often experience a short and bright prickle. This occurs when the soft dentin in a tooth and the canals within it become exposed. Teeth feel sensitive because certain properties of food and drink trigger a reaction in the deeper layers of teeth. This reaction can have several causes, which are briefly explained below. 1

1. Retracted gums:The main tooth sensitivity cause is having retracted gums, exposing the soft dentin of a tooth and causing the tiny channels Sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet or sour food or drink.
2. Tander erosion causes sensitivity:Certain acids in food and drinks attack tooth enamel and this process is also known as tooth erosion. This can eventually cause sensitive teeth.
3. Wearing of tooth enamel:Tooth enamel is a hard layer, but it can gradually wear away, exposing the dentin underneath, resulting in tooth sensitivity.
4. Brushing teeth too hard as a cause of tooth sensitivity:Sharpening of tooth enamel can occur from certain foods or drinks, such as strong acids, but also from the way you brush. If you brush too often and hardly, enamel can wear away faster. Also, gums recede faster this way.
5. Holes (caries):Holes in your teeth also affect the tooth enamel and deeper structures, leading to sensitivity.
   

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6. Cracked teeth:Cracked teeth or molars easily lead to exposed dentin, facilitating G sensitivity.
7. Tooth grinding:Tooth grinding can cause gum and tooth enamel wear due to the high force. It often happens unconsciously during sleep.
8. Tooth whitening:During tooth whitening, enamel and gums are affected, which can cause sensitivity.
9. Excessive use of mouthwash:Mouthwashes often contain harmful substances, including alcohol, which can dry out the mouth and damage teeth.
10. Dental visit:After a dental visit, your teeth may be more sensitive. If you continue to suffer from sensitive teeth, it is important to visit the dentist to find out the exact cause and prevent further problems.

Symptoms

• Pain on cold, hot, sweet or sour food or drink.
• Pain when brushing or flossing.
• Wearing of tooth enamel.
• Stretching of gums.

Treatments for sensitivity

• Toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Contains ingredients that seal the channels in dentin and reduce sensitivity. Choose a proven effective toothpaste.
• Soft toothbrush: Avoid brushing too hard to protect tooth enamel.
• Good oral hygiene:Brush twice a day, use floss and rinse with mouthwash.
• Remove plaque thoroughly.
• Visit the dentist: The dentist can identify and treat the cause, such as fillings, root canal treatments or teeth cleaning. Professional help is crucial for complex problems.

Prevention of sensitive teeth

• Limit acids and sugars: Protect your tooth enamel by adjusting your diet.
• Good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, use floss and rinse with mouthwash.
• Prevent plaque and gum disease.
• Regular dental visits: Get your teeth checked and professionally cleaned. Early detection and prevention are important.
• Use Fleeck products: Protect your teeth with our preventive oral care.

Reduce and remedy sensitivity

To reduce sensitivity, correct oral care practices are crucial. Our extensive range of oral care products offers solutions. For example, choose from bamboo or electric toothbrushes, tartar removers, water flossers or toothpaste tablets to prevent tooth enamel wear. In addition, follow the tips below:

• Don’t brush too often and too hard.
• Wait at least an hour after consuming acids with brushing.
• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste.
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate salivary flow.

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Recommended price: €295

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• Effective cavity prevention
• Remove plaque and tartar

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Related Trusted Sources

• 1. Davari A, Ataei E, Assarzadeh H. Dentin hypersensitivity: etiology, diagnosis and treatment; a literature review. J Dent (Shiraz). 2013 Sep;14(3):136-45. PMID: 24724135; PMCID: PMC3927677.

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3927677/

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Written by

Kim Schouten

In recent years, she has worked in various areas to improve oral health care for both young and old. Oral care is an essential part of daily care. This is because good oral care is not only important for the mouth, but also for overall health. Therefore, it is very important to create awareness and share knowledge about this.