Many people in Switzerland suffer from tooth sensitivity. This symptom manifests itself as pain or discomfort when consuming certain types of food or drink. Biting into an apple, eating ice cream, drinking hot tea or brushing your teeth can all cause an unpleasant sensation. Find out more about the causes of dental hypersensitivity, as well as how to prevent and treat it.
Causes of tooth sensitivity
The phenomenon of sensitive teeth can have different origins. Among the most common factors, our dentists in Lausanne, Fribourg and Aigle cite :
- aggressive, ill-adapted brushing
- the use of a toothbrush too hard
- frequent consumption of acidic foods
- tooth decay
- tooth loosening
- shrinking gums
- a broken tooth
- the grinding of teeth
- an exposed dental root
To better understand why your teeth are sensitive, we first need to understand their make-up. The surface of every healthy tooth is covered with enamel. When enamel wears away or becomes damaged, it reveals a yellowish lower layer called dentin. This layer is criss-crossed by tiny canals, the dentinal tubules, which connect it to the root.
If the tooth loses its protective coating, the canals transmit warning signals. Nerve endings are stimulated, causing pain. You may experience dental hypersensitivity to heat, cold, sweetness, acidity, brushing, pressure and touch.
In addition, it is not uncommon to experience tooth sensitivity after a scaling or a dental treatment. teeth whitening or gum surgery. In these cases, the phenomenon is short-lived. Don't hesitate to speak to your dentist if it persists beyond a few days.
Solutions for treating sensitive teeth
Fortunately, there are ways of relieving or treating dental hypersensitivity. However, the nature of the treatment depends on the cause. Your dental center in Fribourg, Aigle or Lausanne can offer you one of the following solutions:
- Replace your toothpaste toothpaste for sensitive teeth. It takes several weeks of use before results are seen.
- Apply a fluoride solution during a consultation at a dental practice in Fribourg, Lausanne or Aigle. This substance strengthens enamel and reduces unpleasant and/or painful sensations.
- Cover the damaged part of the tooth with a composite resin (white filling).
- Install a dentures (crown, inlay, bridge) if hypersensitivity results from tooth loosening.
- Perform a gum graft if the problem is caused by loss of gum tissue.
In-office treatments for dental hypersensitivity depend on the severity of the cause and the area involved. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
How can you prevent tooth sensitivity?
We can't stress this enough: good oral hygiene is essential to prevent many diseases. When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask a dental hygienist for advice in Lausanne, for example. He can help you improve your daily oral routine.
To avoid sensitive teeth, choose a soft toothbrush with gentle bristles. Movements should not be aggressive. As far as possible, limit consumption of acidic foods and drinks. In addition, it's best to wait until 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. After eating, tooth enamel becomes softer and more sensitive. Find out more about prophylaxis on the website of the Swiss Society of Dentists (SSO).
In any case, dental hypersensitivity should not be taken lightly. This symptom always reveals the presence of a problem in the oral cavity. You should therefore make an appointment at a dental practice to check the condition of your teeth and gums.
As we explained earlier, tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Whether it's tooth decay or gum disease, it needs to be treated quickly to prevent further damage. This can lead to infection of the gums or jaws, which can spread to other areas. The pain will then prompt you to consult in a dental emergency and pay much more for your care.
HELVIDENT dental clinics in Lausanne, Fribourg and Aigle
HELVIDENT welcomes you to one of its 3 dental clinics in French-speaking Switzerland. Our team is made up of general dentists, dental surgeons, orthodontics, periodontics and implants specialists. Don't hesitate to consult one of our dental hygienists for personalized advice on your oral hygiene.
With us, you'll find all the dental professions under one roof. The dental clinic in Fribourg is on Avenue de Beauregard. The dental clinic in St Sulpice, near Lausanne, is on chemin des Mémises. The De La Tour dental center in Aigle is ideally located on the Route Industrielle in the canton of Vaud.
Keep in mind that the best way to prevent dental hypersensitivity is regular check-ups with your dentist. He or she will be able to detect any problems and treat them in time to prevent future complications.
