Dental hypersensitivity
Dental hypersensitivity is a problem that affects many people.
Dental hypersensitivity is associated with intense pain in the teeth that occurs upon contact with certain foods or beverages. It is a transient but widespread discomfort.
Hypersensitivity is widespread among the population that intensifies in the winter months due to low temperatures and colds.
When we subject our teeth to abrupt changes in temperature, whether cold or hot, and we experience acute pain, it is most likely because our dentine lacks the enamel needed to protect the tooth. But teeth are not the only part of the mouth affected by low temperatures. The cold of the street, the wind, and the contrast caused by the heating heat also cause cracks in the mouth with wounds that can lead to bleeding.
According to experts, both the hypersensitivity of the teeth to temperature contrasts and lip cracks caused by dryness and cold is the most common discomfort in winter but also the easiest to avoid with good oral hygiene.
Brushing at least three times a day using the correct toothbrush and floss will protect our teeth' health. However, proper brushing must be delicate and sometimes lack time; the more robust the cleaner's internalized idea, the more aggressive brushing for gums and teeth.
Also, many factors promote accelerated wear of the enamel and, with it, the appearance of episodes of hypersensitivity. For example, consuming acids, clenching or grinding the teeth, and exposing the mouth to abrupt temperature contrasts are associated with these episodes of sensitivity. Likewise, to care for the enamel, it is advisable to use a quality toothpaste and complement it with a mouthwash rich in fluoride.
However, regular visits to the dentist remain the best option for combating hypersensitivity. Carrying out preventive check-ups immediately in the event of discomfort is the easiest way to protect our teeth in winter.
As for the effects of low temperatures on the lips, experts recommend the regular use of cocoa or a moisturizing balm to protect them and exfoliate them at least once a week to remove dead skin and get the moisturizing products to penetrate deep.
Tips
- Use specific products, such as a special toothpaste or a fluoride gel, to strengthen the enamel. Keep in mind that this type of treatment works by blocking the openings of the exposed pores of the dentin, but its sealing is superficial and does not resist the wear caused by daily brushing and chewing. Therefore, asking your dentist to recommend the most appropriate one for your case is best.
- Check how you brush your teeth. Aggressive brushing with an inadequate toothbrush (stiff bristles) or with an incorrect technique (horizontal movements and excessive force), or using very abrasive toothpaste for long periods can cause gum loss, so the dentin will be exposed.
- Also, the fear of getting sore leads to a decrease in the quality and/or frequency of brushing, which produces a more significant accumulation of bacterial plaque, increasing the risk of caries in the neck of the teeth and periodontal problems.
- What you eat has an impact. Therefore, we must not forget the importance of diet control, eliminating or reducing as much as possible the intake of acids that, by softening the exposed dentin, worsen and perpetuate the sensitivity problem.
- Suppose you are going to undergo a treatment of this type. In that case, you should take some precautions since dental sensitivity may arise to a greater or lesser extent after the treatment, although it is a transitory discomfort. This happens because this treatment causes a slight demineralization of the neck of the tooth since it requires the dentin tubules to be opened; through them, the whitening agents (hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide...) penetrate the tooth enamel, and this can irritate the nerve. Whitening toothpaste, used long-term, can have the same effect. Get professional advice before using a specific toothpaste or mouthwash daily, as its components could harm your teeth instead of benefiting you.
