Dental Sensitivities

Short-term and sharp pains that occur against stimuli such as hot, cold, sweet, sour, the effect of which passes after the stimulus disappears, are defined as dentin sensitivity. The type of stimuli changes the severity of sensitivity. For example, a cold stimulus causes faster and more severe pain than heat. In the diagnosis, a short-term and startling pain is observed, especially when cold food and drinks are consumed. Sensitivity can be observed when breathing through the mouth, consuming sweet foods and drinks, when the teeth are tightly closed.

The root surface is exposed for various reasons in the neck area near the gum part of the teeth. When the thin layer of cementum located on the root is eroded over time, the dentin layer appears and sensitivity occurs. Sometimes sensitivity can be observed, although there is no obvious wear. In order to understand which tooth the sensitivity comes from, it should be checked by the dentist whether there is an open dentin layer on the tooth surface, if necessary, the presence of sensitivity should be confirmed with air freshener and special tools.

After the diagnosis of sensitivity, the cause should be investigated, because the type of treatment varies depending on the cause. If the factors causing the sensitivity are not eliminated, an effective treatment cannot be planned. After these reasons are determined and the patient is informed, sensitivity is prevented by covering the exposed dentin surface by the dentist or by blocking the channels responsible for nerve conduction in the dentin.

Factors That May Cause Sensitivity
» Atrization: This is the physiological wear observed as a result of the contact of the teeth with each other during chewing. It is related to aging.
» Abfraction: These are abrasions in the neck area of the tooth that develop due to excessive load on the teeth.
» Erosion: These are dissolutions that do not contain bacteria and occur due to the consumption of chemical products (cola, grapefruit …).
» Abrasion: It is the formation of abrasion with an external material. In individuals who eat nails, wear can be seen on the cutting edges of the teeth, in individuals who brush hard teeth, on the neck part of the teeth.
» Bruxism: the habit of rubbing teeth together except for eating, tooth clenching.
» Reflux, vomiting: Abrasions on the teeth may occur when stomach acid returns to the mouth.
» Consumption of carbonated beverages: foods and beverages with a pH value lower than 5.5 have corrosive properties.

It is very important to brush teeth with the right technique to prevent the formation of sensitivity. The type and hardness of the toothbrush should be determined by the dentist specifically for the patient. Eating habits should be corrected, teeth should be brushed after at least 1 hour when acidic foods and drinks are consumed. Dental protective plaque should be applied to people who squeeze teeth.

Individuals experiencing sensitivity problems should not use anti-tartar toothpastes containing pyro-phosphate, which are available on the market as anti-tartar, and toothpastes containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. The treatment of sensitivity can be performed by a dentist depending on the degree of the problem, or products that the patient can use at home are recommended.