What is Tooth Sensitivity or Hypersensitivity?

Surely you have ever suffered that cold sensation in the tooth, and especially now in summer and holidays, with ice cream and colder drinks to quell the high temperatures. Either due to a cavity, due to receding gums or for any other reason. It is a very common ailment among the general population.
But What is tooth sensitivity or hypersensitivity? It is defined as a short, sharp and localized pain that arises in response to thermal stimuli (very hot or cold drinks or foods), tactile (tooth brushing, finger pressure ...) or chemicals (acid or sweet substances) and cannot be attributed to any other defect or pathology.

What are the symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity?

• Intense and localized pain, easily recognizable
• Responds to an external reaction
• It disappears as soon as the stimulus stops having contact with the tooth or the sensitive area.

What are the causes?

• The caries: because it goes through the enamel and reaches the dentin. The treatment in this case would be to make a filling.
• Chipped or broken teeth: due to the fracture reaching the dentin. To treat them, it is recommended to protect them with a cover or crown.
• Worn fillings: dentin is re-exposed by erosion or aggressive brushing. It would be necessary to review the old filling and consider doing it again or see other treatment options.
• Receding gums: it can be due to aggressive brushing or periodontal disease and in both cases the root is exposed and unprotected. Depending on the cause, treatment varies. If it has been due to aggressive brushing, a gum graft is recommended. However, if it occurs due to periodontal disease, it should be treated with periodontal treatment.
• Worn tooth enamel: this can be due to abrasive toothpaste combined with aggressive brushing, clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism) or exerting too much force when chewing. The enamel does not regenerate itself, so a composite restoration is performed to later place a cover or crown. For bruxism, a Michigan-type discharge splint is recommended.

How to avoid tooth sensitivity?

1. Establish good eating habits: avoid the consumption of acidic or citrus drinks that can wear down the enamel.
2. Correct your bad habits: avoid using wooden toothpicks, using your teeth as tools to bite or tear a container to open it, smoke, drink excessively, chew food hard, etc ...
3. Follow a proper hygiene routine: use dental floss, a special toothpaste and rinse for sensitive teeth, and a soft toothbrush.
4. Go to your dental check-up: it is very likely that to find the cause and the solution you will have to make an appointment with a specialist.