Dentoword : Today's Word is 'Tooth Sensitivity'.

 Welcome to Dentoword:
Learn your dental terms with detailed explanation
 
  Today's word is "Tooth Sensitivity"

In our previous post, we dealt with gingival problems and their treatment and prevention. Here is the link for the previous post about Bleeding gums .

Today, we are shifting our focus from gingival problems to an issue faced by many people, yet often ignored and left untreated: tooth hypersensitivity. This condition involves different sensations, like pain, but unlike continuous pain, it occurs only when stimulated by specific factors.So, without any delay, let's start today's discussion with a detailed explanation of tooth hypersensitivity...

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentinal hypersensitivity, is a relatively common issue in dental practice. It manifests as a sharp, sudden pain that may occur spontaneously, often when the root becomes exposed due to gingival recession or pocket formation. This sensitivity can also appear after scaling and root planing or other periodontal surgical procedures.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity:

1. Dental Caries:

 Exposure of the tooth surface to dentin or pulp due to caries can lead to sensitivity, especially when stimulated by cold or hot food items.

2. Non-Carious Lesions: 

These include various tooth problems like attrition, abrasion, erosion, and abfraction. These issues expose the dentinal surface due to the loss of enamel, causing sensitivity to various stimuli.

3. Gingival Recession: 

Receded gums can expose the root surface, leading to the abrasion of thin cementum and subsequent root sensitivity when exposed to stimuli.

4. Dental Treatments: 

Recent dental procedures, such as restorations or crowns, can cause tooth sensitivity. Faulty restorations can lead to micro leakage, which also results in sensitivity.

5. Poor Oral Hygiene: 

It can lead to the accumulation of plaque and calculus on tooth surfaces, resulting in gingival inflammation. This can cause the gums to recede, leading to hypersensitivity.

Prevention of Tooth Sensitivity:

1. Oral Hygiene Practices:

 Brush twice a day with a medium - bristled brush using gentle force and fluoridated toothpaste. Floss gently to avoid damaging the gums.

2. Regular Dental Check-ups:

 Regular check-ups are essential for professional scaling and early treatment of dental issues that can cause sensitivity or further tooth damage.

3. Balanced Diet: 

Avoid consuming too many citrus or acidic foods and beverages, as they can lead to enamel loss and increased tooth sensitivity.

4. Fluoride Therapy:

 Apply fluoride on erupting teeth in children to make them stronger and resistant to dental caries .

Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity:

1.Desensitizing Toothpaste: 

Toothpaste containing potassium salts, such as potassium nitrate (e.g., Sensodyne), can stop pain transmission and relieve sensitivity. Toothpaste with strontium ion or stannous ion can also provide relief.

2.Dentin Bonding Agents:

 Apply dentin bonding agents to exposed dentinal regions to form a barrier against external stimuli.

3.Restorative Procedures: 

Treat carious or non-carious lesions with fillings, root canal treatment, or crowns. Provide mouthguards to patients with bruxism to prevent enamel wear.

4.Diet Modifications:

 Minimize the consumption of citrus fruits and acidic beverages to protect enamel and reduce sensitivity.

5.Fluoride Treatment: 

Apply fluoride to tooth surfaces to strengthen them and reduce sensitivity.

6.Periodontal Therapy: 

Scaling and root planing can help. For receded gums, consider graft placement surgeries to avoid direct contact with external stimuli.

Conclusion:

Tooth sensitivity is a common and often ignored symptom because its pain is sudden and sharp but disappears after the stimulus is removed. Identifying and treating the cause early is essential to avoid severe tooth damage in the future. By understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment, you can protect your beautiful, bright smile forever.

Request to Reader:

Thank you for reading today's blog post. If you have any queries, please let me know in the comment section below. If you experience any symptoms of tooth sensitivity, don't forget to visit your dentist as soon as possible to get relief from this sudden pain sensation.

References:

1.Newman and Carranza's Essentials of Clinical Periodontology: An Integrated Study Companion / Michael G. Newman, et al. - Elsevier (2022).

2. Image credit: www.flickr.com

3.Image credit:www.freepik.com.