Dental sensitivity or hypersensitivity is one of the most common oral discomforts among the adult population. If you feel severe pain when you eat cold or hot foods and drinks or during your oral cleaning, it is very possible that you suffer from sensitive teeth. In order to treat this problem, it is important that you know the causes.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Dentin exposure is what causes tooth sensitivity in response to cold, heat, and even touch in the teeth and gums. This is the softest part of the tooth that when there is wear of the enamel and cementum that cover it are exposed. Tooth sensitivity usually appears between 18 and 40 years of age.
Tips to combat tooth sensitivity
- Avoid very acidic and sugary foods: Avoid these, as they erode tooth enamel and expose dentin. In addition, these foods increase the risk of cavities. This tip can be valid for the whole year!
- Beware of hot drinks: In summer, you have to be careful with ice cream and cold drinks. In winter, with hot foods or drinks they can cause the same discomfort.
- Brush your teeth three times a day: brush your teeth three times a day always after the main meals. Remember to go over all the interdental spaces and finally crown your cleaning with a mouthwash.
- Use fluoride: It is essential that you use fluoride. Fluoride is an essential mineral for our mouth, as it strengthens enamel.
- Avoid too strong brushing: If you are prone to sensitivity and have teeth sensitive to cold, avoid strong brushing. Doing too much force can wear down your enamel and produce irritations.
4 recommendations so you can take care of your teeth from tooth sensitivity.
- Establish good eating habits: Avoid the consumption of acidic foods and drinks that can wear down the enamel of your teeth: citrus juices, wine, dressings and vinegars, soft drinks, etc.
- Correct your bad habits: Avoid using wooden chopsticks, using your teeth as if they were tools (biting or tearing a container to open it), smoking, drinking excessively, chewing too hard during meals, etc.
- Follow a thorough hygiene routine: Use floss and toothpaste, you can supplement with mouthwash.
- Go to your dentist: It is very likely that you can only determine the cause of tooth sensitivity and find your solution by going to him.
