What Is Hypersensitivity Of Teeth?

[Dr. Pooja Shah]

What Is Hypersensitivity Of Teeth?

Sharp pain in response to various stimuli like HEAT, COLD, CHEMICALS etc... This condition is called Dentin Hypersensitivity.

Dentin Hypersensitivity is fairly common condition with between 8-35%of the population being affected. Adults in the age group of 20-50 years are the most affected with the peak of 20-50 years.

CAUSES OF HYPERSENSITIVITY

Sensitivity occurs due to loss of enamel (outer most layer of crown structure) or cementum (outer most layer of root structure) which leads to the exposure of the underlying dentin. So the main reason of sensitivity is exposure of dentin.

It happens with several reasons like

Faulty tooth brushing habits: Excessive tooth brushing or brushing with wrong method causes loss of enamel and may cause loosing of gums (gingival recession) which may cause sensitivity.

Dietary habits: Excessive amount of oral acids like soda, fruit juice, swimming pool chlorine etc. Even faulty food habits like having lots of food in short time (BULIMIA) also causes sensitivity.

Maintenance of oral hygiene: Due to improper cleaning of mouth there will be accumulation of plaque & food debris which may cause gum diseases. Enlarged & swollen gums allow the plaque to retain in the junction of gums & tooth.

TREATMENT OF HYPERSENSITIVIY

Patient’s education: By: Dietary counselling

: Proper tooth brushing technique

: Plaque control & oral hygiene maintenance.

Formation of smear layer over exposed dentin.

Use of topical agents: To occlude n lock the exposed tubules of dentin.

E.g.: Fluorides, dentin adhesive, varnishes.

Placement of restorations: E.g.: Glass ionomer cement

 : Composite resins.

Use of lasers: CO2 lasers

 : Nd:YAG,Er:YAG lasers

 : He:Ne lasers.

As lasers are quite expensive every patient can’t effort the treatment & it is not easily available to frequent clinics or hospitals.

 There are many tooth pastes available to get relief from sensitivity E.g.: Colgate sensitive, Sensoform, Sensodyne etc…

Special types of tooth brushes are also available for sensitive teeth.

Visit Web Dentist for more information on dental health and care tips.

[Dr. Pooja Shah]

Thank you Dr. Steffany Mohan for your valuable feedback.

[Steffany Mohan, DDS]

Extreme intake of foods that makes acid can harm the tooth enamel bringing about teeth hypersensitivity. These foods would include soft drinks, tea and citrus foods which includes tomatoes and lemons. Also most bleaching methods can lead to tooth sensitivity. A toothpaste suitable for sensitivity can be used to prevent cold stimuli from reaching the tooth nerves.