How to choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth?

Increased tooth sensitivity is a rather insidious symptom. Sharp pain appears only with a contract with an irritant and passes on its own. The rest of the time, the pain does not bother, so the patient does not rush to the dentist. However, the cause of hypersensitivity does not disappear anywhere. The longer you delay a visit to the doctor, the larger the dental problem becomes. The article discusses the causes of soreness and dental remedies for sensitive teeth.

Causes of hypersensitivity

In dentistry, high tooth sensitivity is defined as hyperesthesia. This is not an independent disease but a pain syndrome that occurs in response to irritation of odontoblasts – sensory cells located on the border of dentin and pulp – soft interdental tissue. Dentin is a rather hard structure of the tooth body. Outside, it is protected by strong enamel; inside, tubules (tubes) filled with liquid. They are the conductors of external stimuli. In response to cold and acid exposure, the fluid in the tubules begins to circulate faster. Odontoblasts instantly react to a change in speed, transmitting a signal to the pulp, penetrated by nerve endings. The more dentinal tubules in the tooth, the more likely the occurrence of hyperesthesia.

Reasons for high sensitivity:

• thinning, demineralization, enamel damage;
• inflammation, injury, and infection of the gums.

Risk factors include tooth decay, vigorous brushing, and dental plaque. In some patients, the number and permeability of dentinal tubules are increased from birth.

Cleaning

Despite its strength, the enamel is very vulnerable to mechanical stress. The causes of damage are:

• intense pressure during cleaning;
• incorrect use of a hard toothbrush, as well as abrasive bleaching agents ;
• frequent procedures for a professional whitening of enamel.

To increase the sensitivity of the teeth, can and whitening folk methods – soda, activated charcoal.

Caries

Enamel is 97% mineral. It lacks blood vessels and nerves, so it cannot hurt itself. However, when miners are washed out, it acquires a porous structure through which irritants easily reach the dentin. Demineralization is caused by organic acids released by cariogenic bacteria during sugar processing. The use of sweets against the background of insufficient oral hygiene leads to the development of caries.

Irritation from dental plaque

Hypertension is often associated with the formation of dense plaque on the gingival margin. It consists of particles of tissue detritus, food debris, and microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity. Due to the active reproduction of bacteria, the gums become inflamed, the enamel is destroyed, and the permeability of the dentin increases.

Inflammatory gum disease

Inflammation of the gums leads to dystrophy – a decrease in the volume of periodontal tissues. As a result, the subgingival part of the dentin, the neck, and the tooth’s root is exposed. A wedge-shaped defect appears, due to which the dental tissues become more sensitive.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gum tissue with swelling and redness. When in contact with food, bleeding and soreness occur. Complications of recurrent gingivitis – periodontitis, wedge-shaped defect.

Periodontitis

An acute inflammatory process destroys the ligaments between the tooth and the jaw bone. The main symptoms are periodontal bleeding, pain, and the formation of periodontal pockets. Without treatment, teeth quickly loosen and fall out, and abscesses and fistulas form on the gums. Advanced periodontitis requires the intervention of a dental surgeon.

Treatment of hyperesthesia, care for sensitive teeth.

It will not be possible to cope quickly with hyperesthesia at home. A consultation with a dentist is needed to determine the cause of pain and cure diagnosed diseases.

The tactics of therapy depend on the dental problem:

• Demineralization. Artificial remineralization – applying gel with fluorine, calcium, or ICON mineralizing resin to the enamel.
• Hyperesthesia without enamel damage. Mechanical blockage of dentinal tubules with a desensitizer (light-curing paste) followed by polymerization. Advanced dental clinics treat hypersensitivity with laser therapy to narrow the dentinal tubules.
• Carious lesions of the teeth. Caries treatment according to standard dental protocol.
• Gingivitis, periodontitis. Treated by a periodontist.
• Enamel thinning. Artistic restoration of teeth, installation of fixed prostheses (veneers, lumineers, crowns).

The doctor will consult in detail on the care of sensitive teeth at home and advise on suitable toothpaste, gels, and mouth rinses.

Kinds of toothpaste

Special pastes for sensitive teeth contain potassium nitrate or chloride, calcium compounds, fluorine, strontium chloride, and citrates, which help to strengthen the enamel quickly. Many European and Russian brands produce such funds. For example, R.O.K.S, Biorepair, Swissdent acadet.

Rinsers

Mouthwashes remove the remnants of plaque and prevent the growth of bacteria on the gums. Most rinses are made from herbal ingredients. It is recommended to use them after each cleaning.

Local treatment

To restore the protective properties of dentin, therapeutic varnishes and gels to strengthen the enamel help. They contain glycerin, xylitol, and calcium glycerophosphate. Means should be applied 1-2 times daily for 2-4 weeks. For children, gels with the taste of berries and fruits are produced. An alternative is remineralizing powder rinses, which must be diluted with water before use. The doctor may recommend professional dental gels for enamel rehabilitation and caries prevention in difficult cases.

Prevention

To avoid complications, patients with hyperesthesia need to follow the rules of oral care:

• Use soft category toothbrushes that remove plaque without damaging the gum tissue;
• do not put pressure on periodontal tissues while brushing your teeth;
• Use only those toothpaste recommended by the doctor;
• Regularly carry out home remineralization with dental gels;
• Exclude from the diet foods that cause irritation (citrus fruits, sour sauces, marinades, etc.);
• Stop eating nuts and seeds;
• Minimize the use of confectionery products – any sweets lead to the multiplication of cariogenic bacteria;
• Get rid of bad habits – do not bite the threads, do not gnaw ballpoint pens (pencils), do not open bottles or cans with your teeth;
• Regularly undergo preventive examinations at the dentist, do not ignore the procedures for professional restoration of enamel, and treat caries promptly.

Neglect of episodic pain often results in long-term treatment and even surgery.