Against conditions caused by 'cold sensitivity' in teeth, Dr. Lecturer Member Merve Kütük Ömeroğlu explained what should be done to prevent dentin sensitivity.
The quality of life of people with dentin sensitivity is negatively affected by sensitivity symptoms. People with sensitivity cannot enjoy their favorite foods and drinks, and they have to wait for cold drinks to become warmer.
Dentin sensitivity; Although it is most often seen in people between the ages of 20-45, it is distributed in society from adolescence to the 70s.
While sensitivity decreases with clogging of dentinal tubules due to aging, its incidence increases in people with gum disease.
Dr. Lecturer Merve Kütük Ömeroğlu gave warnings by explaining the factors that cause dentin sensitivity.
Stating that frequent consumption of acidic foods or beverages causes the enamel, which is the protective layer of the tooth, to wear away and exposes the dentinal tubules, Ömeroğlu said, “In addition, enamel loss in swimmers due to the chlorine in the pools, reflux, chronic widespread vomiting, alcoholism, peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers due to drugs, etc. Dryness, buffering capacity, pH and flow rate of saliva cause the intraoral environment to become acidic, resulting in enamel loss. This exposure of dentinal tubules causes increased dentine sensitivity. Gum recession, which occurs due to gum diseases, causes the root surfaces to be exposed. The use of toothbrushes with inappropriate, hard bristles and harsh brushing of teeth can cause enamel loss and trigger dentin sensitivity. "In addition, temporary dentin sensitivity may occur in patients whose tooth surface is cleaned," he said.
Drawing attention to bruxism, which is a condition characterized by patients clenching or grinding their teeth during the day or at night, Ömeroğlu said that this condition may also cause dentin sensitivity.
Stating that the progression of caries in the structure of the teeth may cause sensitivity by affecting the area where the vessels and nerves located inside the tooth, called the pulp, are located, Ömeroğlu noted that it may also cause temporary dentin sensitivity after professional teeth whitening is performed.
Ömeroğlu emphasized the importance of proper clinical examination and accurate diagnosis for the treatment of this sensitivity and listed the following:
- Reviewing tooth brushing habits, brushing teeth at least twice a day using a suitable toothbrush, not consuming acidic foods and drinks before and after brushing,
- Evaluation of eating habits, avoiding acidic foods
- In the presence of bruxism, it is important to consult a dentist and prevent progression by performing appropriate treatment.
