Dentinal Hypersensitivity

Tooth sensitivity or pain after eating cold, hot food, liquids or even breathing cold air is termed as dentinal hypersensitivity. The person may have a thought that the tooth needs to be extracted. or requires filling .However the problem of hypersensitivity can be treated very easily.

Etiology of Dentinal hypersensitivity

• Attrition
• Recession of gums
• Fractured tooth
• Post operative
• Dental caries
• Erosion of tooth surface

Person with hypersensitivity usually avoids brushing, because of pain, thus neglecting oral hygiene leading to serious problems, such as tooth decay and gum diseases. The reason why the teeth becomes hypersensitive in certain people is, when the tooth’s protective covering is absent, dentin is exposed. Dentinal tubules are open at the surface of the dentin allowing a direct channel to the nerve pulp. The dentin is normally covered by enamel or cementum. When ever the enamel or cementum is absent due to many factors like erosion, abrasion, brushing habits or a tooth defect, dentin is exposed. This exposed dentin leads to hypersensitivity.

Cause of dentinal hypersensitivity

Age
The regression of the gums as the person gets older.
Brushing habits.
Tooth enamel abrasion which may be caused by wrong brushing, by using very hard toothbrush.
Diet
Habitual ingestion of acidic food causes erosion of enamel or dentin leading to opening of dentinal tubules. The citric acid in citrus fruits dissolves enamel leading to hypersensitivity.
Tobacco
Users of tobacco regularly experience dentinal hypersensitivity. The tobacco placed between teeth and gum is known to cause gingival recession. As gingival receeds, soft gingival cementum is exposed. Continuous brushing erodes the cementum and opening the dentinal tubules.
Diseases
There is a risk of dentinal hypersensitivity in those affected with gastro esophageal reflex disease leading to increased intra oral acidity. Subsequently causing enamel erosion, leading to dental hypersensitivity.
Prevention
Following the correct brushing technique and brushing gently.
Flossing is crucial to reach tooth surfaces where brushing cannot reach.
Maintain proper oral hygiene. This will reduce gum recession and periodontal diseases
Treatment
Sensitivity tooth paste,
Fluoride mouth washes.
Filling up of hypersensitive areas.
Avoiding highly acidic food.