Tooth sensitivity, or hypersensitivity, is the most common pain and for which people visit the dentist the least. Around 30% of the population has suffered from sensitivity at some point.
Dentine is responsible for this sensation, it is located on the inside of the tooth and communicates with the dental nerve through ducts. When the enamel that covers the tooth is damaged or there is gum loss, the dentine is the cause of this sensation. is exposed and unprotected.
When we have hypersensitivity in a tooth, when faced with a stimulus such as hot or cold, sweet or salty food, or even with the pressure of chewing or brushing, we notice a sharp, short-lasting pain. It is a discomfort that modifies our eating habits as we try to avoid certain foods and often worsens hygiene due to the discomfort it causes during brushing, becoming frustrated and affecting our character.
The reality is that one of 4 Spaniards suffers from tooth sensitivity problems, and this can have different causes, These include:
- Old or ill-fitting fillings.
- Fracture of the tooth.
- Cracks or fissures in the enamel.
Treatment will depend on the cause and the damage caused to the tooth. Sometimes we will be able to solve it at home with toothpastes and changes in habits, or with more advanced therapies at the dentist's office. In both cases we will need advice from our dentist or oral hygienist.
How do toothpastes work to relieve symptoms? symptoms?
The active ingredients that have proven to be proven to be effective in the treatment of dental hypersensitivity are the nitrato potásicowhich reduces the sensation of pain of the tooth, and the monofluoride phosphate sódico, which helps to remineralise enamel and prevent caries. prevent caries.
These compounds can be found in toothpastes and gels. We explain the difference between them:
- Pasta The toothpastes are the usual ones, but with a higher concentration of these compounds.
- The gels instead, they do not cleanse, are applied with the finger, and are used as a treatment after brushing.
They are further divided into two typesthose of immediate effectwhich reduce sensitivity by 60 seconds, and those for daily usewhich have long-term restorative and protective action, but symptom relief is progressive with maximum efficacy demonstrated within 3-4 weeks of use.
Between the two types, these are the ones we recommend:
Immediate effect
- Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste, action in 60 seconds based on stannous fluoride.
- Sensi Lacer Bioadhesive Gel, action in 30 seconds based on potassium nitrate.
Desensitising toothpastes for daily use
- Sensi Lacer toothpaste gel, prevents and improves symptoms based on potassium nitrate, sodium monofluoride phosphate and fluoride.
- Sensodyne Repair&Protect, NovaMint tissue regeneration technology.
- Desensin Repair, with hydroxyapatite particles and potassium nitrate.
- SensiKin Gel, in addition to potassium nitrate, contains Vitamin E with anti-inflammatory properties that help to regenerate the gums.
You can also use mouthwasheswhich have the same components as pastes and gels and serve as a complement. One that works well is Sensi Lacer daily mouthwash.
In the next article, we will talk to you about the treatments that we can carry out in the dental surgery, as sometimes this is the only way to find a solution to tooth sensitivity.