As a result of enamel wearing of the protective outer layer of the teeth and revealing the dentin layer under the enamel, dentinal tubules filled with fluid, including the nerve endings, may be exposed. The fluids in these dentin tubules interfere with hot, cold, sweet, sour, bitter foods and drinks, shrinking and expanding, causing pressure differences on the nerves. These pressure differences create sensitivity (tingling) in the teeth. Finding the cause of sensitivity plays an important role in determining the method of treatment. (1)

The Main Causes That Cause Sensitivity To Teeth Are (2)

1- Caries formed on the teeth: The carious acidic environment created by the microorganisms reaching the dentin layer, by overcoming the enamel covering the tooth wall, causes the sensitivity of the teeth. To minimize this risk, treatment of carious teeth and teeth with caries risk should be followed with preventive treatments and regular control sessions.

2-Improper tooth brushing: Failure to throw properly and hard brushing can cause gums to pull out or even wear on the teeth. Using the toothbrush recommended by your dentist and applying the toothbrushing method will reduce the factors that cause the gingival recession. When the root surfaces that are not covered with the enamel layer are exposed to external factors, sensitivity occurs.

3-Gum diseases: As a result of poor oral hygiene or gum disorders caused by a systemic disease, gingival recession and jawbones may occur. Dental health is achieved by gingival surgery or only by cleaning the calculus. However, as the soft tissue that needs to be around the work disappears, the sensitivity increases. Sensitivity occurs when the root surfaces that are not covered with the enamel layer are exposed to external factors.

4-Teeth / gnashing habits: Teething or creaking often results from stress. There may be problems with jaw joints, as well as erection on the chewing surfaces in the areas where the teeth meet with the flesh. Damages of clenching are eliminated by making a night plate.

5- Nutritional habits with dense acidic foods and beverages: Frequent consumption of acidic beverages such as cola and orange juice, and brushing the exterior immediately after this consumption, is wrong behavior. sensitivity occurs. Also, athletes swimming in the pool, which is cleaned with chlorine, face this risk of acidic erosion. To minimize this effect, it is recommended to brush the teeth that interact with the acid by rinsing with normal water, or about half an hour after consuming foods that will neutralize the acid effect, such as cheese.

Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity

If there is partial sensitivity in all teeth or teeth, the root structure of the tooth can be applied to strengthen the root structure of the tooth. Also, specially produced pastes and mouthwashes can be used for sensitivity. (3) These pastes and active substances in mouthwashes eliminate the pulping effect of stimuli by blocking the exposed dentin tubules.

If dental sensitivity has improved, the dentist can apply some dental agents and laser treatment can solve the patient’s problem. Cervitec Plus, SE Bond & Protect Liner F, laser and iontophoresis showed satisfactory results after 3 to 6 months of treatment (4)

(1) How valid and applicable are current diagnostic criteria and assessment methods for dentin hypersensitivity? An overview

Christian R. Gernhardtcorresponding author

(2) Associated factors to cervical dentin hypersensitivity in adults: a transversal study

Polyana Matos Alcântara, Nayara Franciele Figueiredo Barroso, Adriana Maria Botelho, Dhelfeson Willya Douglas-de-Oliveira, corresponding author Patrícia Furtado Gonçalves, and Olga Dumont Flecha

(3) Dentine sensitivity: past, present, and future. Mantzourani M1, Sharma D.

Oral Care Scientific and Professional Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Services EAME Ltd, Foundation Park, Maidenhead, UK.

 (4) The effectiveness of current dentin desensitizing agents used to treat dental hypersensitivity: a systematic review.

da Rosa WL1, Lund RG, Piva E, da Silva AF. Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.