Dental sensitivity in summer
Carbonated beverages and rough tooth brushing can cause tooth sensitivity.
To reduce dental sensitivity, there are treatments, such as applying gels or varnishes with a high concentration of fluoride that acts by plugging the tiny open tubules in the dentin.
With the arrival of high temperatures, the consumption of frozen food and drinks increases, which, in many people, causes pain in the teeth that can be intense, mild, moderate, or extreme. Tooth sensitivity is a warning sign of an underlying problem of enamel loss or gum recession that exposes the dentin to the oral environment. When dentin loses its enamel or cement protection (at the root), irritation of the dentin nerves occurs, causing pain when eating very cold, hot, or acidic foods.
The causes that can lead to dental sensitivity can be mechanical or chemical. Among the former, the most common are overly aggressive brushing with a stiff bristle brush and inadequate technique. On the other hand, bruxism or bad occlusion also causes wear of the tooth enamel.
As for chemical causes, it is essential to remember that carbonated drinks with an acidic pH erode the enamel, so it is advisable to reduce their consumption. Finally, a relatively frequent cause of dental sensitivity is a periodontal disease because when a gum recession occurs, a part of the root is exposed to the oral environment.
Therefore, the vast majority of dental sensitivities could be prevented by 3 essential tips:
-Use a proper brush, always with a soft or medium stiff bristle brush, never with stiff bristles. We must leave about 20-30 minutes to brush our teeth if we have previously taken acids or sweets.
-Avoiding the consumption of carbonated drinks.
-Regularly visiting the dentist to avoid periodontal disease and gingival retractions.
Treatments for tooth sensitivity
For this and any other oral disease, it is advisable to go to the dentist to make a diagnosis and indicate the appropriate treatment. The dental clinic can use several therapeutic options to relieve and improve dental sensitivity. One of the methods used is the application of gels or varnishes with a high concentration of fluoride that acts by plugging the tiny open tubules in the dentin, thus reducing sensitivity. Sometimes, adhesive resins are applied to seal these tubules. The use of specific laser frequencies can also alleviate some moderate sensitivities.
In addition, a wide range of toothpaste and mouthwashes substantially improve mild or moderate tooth sensitivity but do not achieve results in cases of severe sensitivity. Therefore, they are helpful for maintenance and complement professional treatment but should only be used under the dentist's prescription. The main effective agents of these products are certain fluorides (calcium fluoride, tin fluoride) and potassium derivatives (potassium nitrate, potassium chloride), among others.
Some treatments, such as tooth whitening, increase and worsen tooth sensitivity, so those who suffer from this condition should not have them done until the pain disappears.
